Megaloceros giganteus

Long before St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland, the Megaloceros giganteus strutted across the Emerald Isle during the Ice Age sporting antlers that weighed as much as 100 […]

Megaloceros giganteus ranged across Eurasia from Ireland to China during the Pleistocene.

With antlers spanning nearly 3 meters Megaloceros or irish elk must have been a sight to behold. Those things weighed some 40 kg too. what a burden to carry.

The extinct Irish elk (Megaloceros giganteus) ranged across Eurasia from Ireland to China during the Pleistocene. Scientists estimate these giant deer stood about 7 ft. tall at the shoulder and weighed about 1,600 lbs. They carried the largest antlers of any known deer species—a rack could spread up to 12 ft. and weigh up to 90 lbs. Remains recently unearthed in Siberia carbon date to about 8000 years ago.

Antlers of an extinct Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus) sold by Christies. These giant deer stood about 7 ft. tall at the shoulder, weighed about 1,600 lbs., and a rack of antlers could spread up to 12 ft.

The extinct Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus) lived during the Pleistocene, ranging across Eurasia from Ireland to China. The most recent remains (in Siberia) carbon date to about 8000 years ago. Scientists estimate these massive deer stood about 7 feet tall at the shoulders and on average weighed over 1,600 lbs. They carried the largest antlers of any known deer species—a full rack could weigh up to 90 lbs. and spread up to 12 ft from tip to tip.

Mauro Cutrona - Megaloceros

The Irish elk (Megaloceros giganteus) or Irish giant deer, is an extinct species of deer in the genus Megaloceros and is one of the largest deer that ever lived. Its range extended across Eurasia during the Pleistocene, from Ireland to Siberia to China. A related form is recorded in China during the Late Pleistocene #irishelk#deer#megalocerosgiganteus#pleistocene#irishgiantdeer#eurasia#ireland#siberia#china#animals

male Megaloceros giganteus fighting. I've used the Alaskan Moose diorama of the American Museum of Natural History as reference for the dramatic pose.