Total length :  200 to 290 cm (79 to 114 in)

Shoulder height :  169 to 192 cm (67 to 76 in)

Weight : Males from 329 to 635 kg (725 to 1400 lb), females from 227 to 408 kg (500 to 900 lb)

Coloration :  Dark brown to black back; brown underside; inside of legs gray to creamy-white;

External characteristics :  Robust body; long legs with low dew claws; long, pointed hooves (13 to 18 cm/5 to 7 in); long head with large, drooping snout; chin with long “beard” (dewlap); high, arched shoulders with distinctive hump; very small tail (6 to15 cm/2 to 6 in); males with very broad palmate and scoop-like antler racks up to 1.8 m (6 ft) wide.

*Antlers begin growing in April, growth continues until August and their velvet covering is shed in September. Older individuals shed their antlers in December or January, younger individuals February. Young males’ antlers are much less impressive, and the massive antler rack characteristic of older males appears at the age of 4 or 5 years.