Irish elk

*This image is copyright of its original author *This image is copyright of its original author Giant deer or Irish giant deer, is an extinct species of deer in the genus Megaloceros and is one of the

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

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.

Prehistoric Megaloceros giganteus was a giant deer that roamed over Eurasia during the Pleistocene. About 7 ft. tall at the shoulder and weighing about 1,600 lbs., stags carried the largest antler spread of any known deer species—up to 12 ft wide.

Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus) The latest known remains of the species have been carbon dated to about 7,700 years ago in Siberia.

Irish elk fleeing from a pack of cave wolves. The extinct Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus) was a giant deer that stood about 7 ft. at the shoulders and weighed 1500 lbs. Its antlers are the largest of any known cervid with a spread up to 12 ft. (3.6m) wide. During the Pleistocene it ranged across Eurasia from Ireland to China. Recent remains unearthed in Siberia have been carbon dated to 7000 to 8000 years ago. (Zdeněk Burian)