Irish Elk

The Irish Elk, also known as Megaloceros giganteus, was a giant prehistoric deer that lived during the Ice Age. It’s famous for its enormous antlers, which spanned up to 12 feet across. Despite its name, it wasn’t a true elk but a related species of deer. It stood about 7 feet tall at the shoulder and weighed around 1,500 pounds. The Irish Elk roamed across Europe and Asia, grazing grasses and shrubs. It went extinct roughly 7,700 years ago, likely due to climate changes and human activity. Its impressive size and antlers make it a remarkable example of prehistoric megafauna.