Moose (Alces alces) – The largest deer species in North America, moose can weigh over 1,500 pounds and stand up to 7 feet tall at the shoulder. They thrive in cold, forested regions.
Elk (Cervus canadensis) – Also known as wapiti, elk are the second-largest deer species, weighing up to 1,100 pounds. They are found in the western U.S. and parts of the Midwest.
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) – Also called reindeer, caribou are adapted to Arctic and subarctic regions, with males reaching 600 pounds. Both males and females grow antlers.
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) – Native to western North America, mule deer can weigh up to 330 pounds. They are known for their large ears and bounding leaps.
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) – The most widespread deer species in the U.S., white-tailed deer can grow up to 300 pounds and are highly adaptable.
Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) – A subspecies of mule deer found in the Pacific Northwest, they are slightly smaller, weighing up to 200 pounds.
Sitka Deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) – A coastal deer species of Alaska, these smaller deer rarely exceed 150 pounds but are important to local ecosystems.
Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) – The smallest on this list, Key deer are a subspecies of white-tailed deer, found only in Florida’s Keys, weighing about 80 pounds.