When it comes to mammals, deer are one of the most diverse species around. They are found in some of the coldest environments around as well as hot rainforests. In total, there are different species of deer known so far, and they come in all different sizes.

The reindeer is, of course, the most famous deer species of all, almost entirely due to their association with Christmas. This deer is interesting for reasons beyond their association with Santa Clause though. For one, this is the only species of deer where the female has antlers and not just the male.

The largest deer in the world is the moose (Alces americanus). For the moose, males are generally 1.8 meters (6 feet) from hoof to shoulder. They are 2.5-3.2 meters (8.2-10.5 feet) from nose to tail. Plus, their massive antlers can be 1.8 meters (6 feet) long. Tipping the scales at around 450 kilograms (1000 pounds), the average male is huge.

Within the moose family, there is also quite a bit of diversity in size. The Alaskan moose (Alces gigas) makes the average moose look almost small. The largest male ever found was, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, 816 kilograms (1600 pounds). It stood 2.34 meters (7’8”) from its hoof to its shoulder. This massive specimen was shot and killed in 1897 in the Yukon Territory of Canada, but it still holds the record.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the smallest deer in the world is the pudu deer. Standing at just 73 centimeters (29 inches) tall, you would be forgiven for thinking that this was more of a large rodent or other small mammal, but it is indeed a deer. They are found in the forests of Argentina and Chile.

Deer are also one of the most hunted mammals in the world, with annual hunts taking place in many different countries. White tailed deer are commonly hunted both for sport and food in North America, with some cities nearly shutting down for days at a time at the beginning of hunting season.

With so many different species of deer, and such incredible diversity, the deer is one of the most interesting families of animal on the planet. No matter where you are from, you have almost certainly seen (or perhaps eaten) at least one species of deer, and are aware of many more. Fortunately, most species of deer are doing well thanks to their resiliency, effective hunting management laws, and in some cases, the dramatic loss of predators in their habitat.

Watch out for deer, they are everywhere. Some of them might destroy your car, and others you might trip over, but no matter the type, they are an amazing creature.

If you thought that was interesting, you might like to read about the mysterious “pyramids” discovered in Antarctica. What are they?