Loading
Megaloceros is often called the “Irish Elk,” although it was neither exclusively Irish nor an elk. This giant deer ranged across northern Eurasia from Siberia to Ireland, shedding and re-growing its giant antlers every year.
This giant deer is the Smithsonian’s oldest mounted fossil skeleton. It’s been on display since 1872.
Show lessRead more
Details
- Title: Giant deer
- Location: Peat bog, Ireland
- Physical Dimensions: L: 274 W: 253 H: 279.3
- Type: Skeleton
- Rights: This image was obtained from the Smithsonian Institution. The image or its contents may be protected by international copyright laws. http://www.si.edu/termsofuse
- External Link: View this object record in the Smithsonian Institution Collections Search Center
- USNM Catalog Number(s): V7051
- Scientific Name: <i>Megaloceros giganteus</i>
- Photo Credit: James Di Loreto, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History
- Historic Period: Lived 400,000–7,700 years ago
- Geologic Age: Cenozoic - Quaternary
- Field: Paleobiology
Get the app
Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more
