Mammoth Locomotion

Mammoth Locomotion

Add subtitle

Based on the mammoth skeletons that have been found, it is thought that they moved in a way similar to modern Asian elephants

Scroll over the dots to learn more about mammoth locomotion!

Mammoths likely moved in a way that allowed them to have at least one foot on the ground at all times, but with three feet on the ground most of the time. This is a basic gait that is referred to as a rack or pace.

Mammoths walked on their toes, which had pads behind them similar to those that dogs have on their paws.

The soles of their feet had many cracks on them which allowed them to grip surfaces while they walked. This can be seen on the feet of this well-preserved Yukagir mammoth.

Their normal walking speed was about 2.5 to 3.7 miles per hour, but they could probably run at speeds of up to 15.2 miles per hour if needed.

They likely moved slowly during feeding, and while juveniles may have run when they were playing, adults probably only did so when they were charging or being attacked.

They probably weren't able to trot, gallop, or jump.