ggpwr Report post Posted November 1, 2013 Hey all. Wasn't entirely sure where to post this. My friend in Colorado sent me this pic asking if it was photoshopped. Story is that someone he works with came across this while elk hunting near Red Feather, CO. I know wild stuff can happen in nature, but has anybody seen or heard of an elk/moose hybrid? Can moose grow non-palmated antlers that resemble elk antlers? Just curious and though I would ask the experts! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flatlander Report post Posted November 1, 2013 I would blame it on the wolves! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
khmer6 Report post Posted November 1, 2013 if thats real that would be pretty neato. but something bothers me with the blend and colors aroud the antlers in the picture. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt Meyer Report post Posted November 1, 2013 I suppose it's possible...Never heard of it though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Benbrown Report post Posted November 1, 2013 Photoshopped. Elk (Cervus elaphus) and moose (Alces alces) are not even in the same genus. A quick search of the literature not only turns up no accounts of hybridization, but one study of "genetic distance" based on mitochondrial DNA places the two at pretty much opposite ends of the spectrum in the family Cervidae. It seems very unlikely that, even if a mating occurred, that a viable embryo would result. In addition, the "antlers" on the animal in the picture seem to be mule deer antlers, not elk antlers (no brow tines, no tines branching off of the main beam). Likewise, there are no characteristics associated with the form of moose antlers, either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted November 1, 2013 Photoshopped! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Sniper Report post Posted November 1, 2013 I think it's just a moose with zero palmation. I've seen it like that with smaller moose, but nothing that big. It's just a freak. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted November 2, 2013 I'm going with photoshop - no expertise here, but it just doesn't look right. The snow being gone around the carcass could be explained by crows and such. I really don't know anything about moose so my guess is just that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkaholic Report post Posted November 2, 2013 do a little home work - moose antlers -- There are two basic types , palmated (shovel-type) and non-palmated antlers. There are also combinations of these two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest akaspecials Report post Posted November 2, 2013 My money is on a non palmated moose. I've seen lots of pictures of small moose not palmated. But nothing like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
