Majestic Irish Elk

The Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus) was a majestic prehistoric deer known for its colossal antlers, which could span up to 12 feet across—making it the largest antlered animal ever recorded. Despite its name, it wasn’t closely related to modern elk, and its range extended far beyond Ireland, covering much of northern Eurasia during the late Pleistocene. Standing over seven feet tall at the shoulder and weighing more than 1,200 pounds, the Irish Elk thrived in open woodlands and grasslands, where its massive antlers were less of a hindrance. These antlers were likely the result of sexual selection, used by males to compete for mates. The species went extinct around 7,700 years ago, possibly due to a combination of climate change, habitat loss, and human hunting. Its dramatic appearance and mysterious disappearance continue to captivate scientists and artists alike, symbolizing both the grandeur and fragility of prehistoric life.