Irish Elk

About

The Irish Elk was one of the largest deer species to ever walk the earth — standing about 2m at the shoulder and boasting antlers that could span up to 3.5m across and weigh over 40kg! Despite its name, the Irish Elk wasn’t exclusive to Ireland — its fossils have been found across Europe and Asia — and it isn't related to living elk species, but more closely related to fallow deer.

This impressive animal went extinct around 7,700 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and hunting. Some suggest the size of its antlers may have made survival more difficult in forests, as the antlers inhibited proper feeding habits and caused the animal to become trapped in tree branches.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Irish Elk is how well-preserved some of its remains are, giving us a vivid picture of this majestic creature’s grandeur.