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.

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

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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.