12 Mammals That Are Taller Than Your Front Porch Steps

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Picture this: You are on your porch, coffee in hand, and you hear a rustling in the bushes. You glance over, and sometimes your neighborhood cat or a raccoon is looking at you, but not this time, a giraffe just saunters by. Of course, that might not actually happen unless you’re on safari—or living in a particularly adventurous neighborhood—but it gets you thinking: How many mammals do you think tower over your porch steps? Spoiler alert: there are quite a few.

This list will be introducing you to some of the world’s most impressively tall mammals, from towering giants you’d expect to see on the African savanna to surprisingly large things closer to home. Yes, and yes, they’re all taller than that three step entrance you take for granted.

Giraffe

Let’s start with the obvious one: the giraffe. At an average height of 16 to 18 feet as the tallest land animals on Earth, these lanky wonders are impressive. Most people cannot be taller than their necks alone, and they use that height to get tasty leaves at the top of trees. Fun fact: according to Cleveland Zoological Society, although giraffes have long necks, they have the same number of neck vertebrae as we do, seven. The difference? They’re all about ten inches long!

Elephant

The elephant might not have the giraffe’s neck, but it’s bulk compensates for it. For example, African elephants, can reach 10 to 13 feet at the shoulder and, even if you are on the top pf your high porch steps, you might be a tad too shortsighted to see over the top. Not only are they big—elephants are also smart, empathetic and possess those iconic trunks that function as everything from a tool to a snorkel.

Moose

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If you’ve ever been to the northern United States or Canada, you’ve probably seen a moose. These massive creatures can reach over six feet high at the shoulder, plus add the antlers and you have some that are over 10 feet tall. Imagine ever coming across one while hiking, it’s enough to make you appreciate their majestic and intimidating presence.

Camel

Camels are also known for their humps, and are also known to dwell in the deserts, but they are also surprisingly tall. One hump dromedary camel can stand as tall as 7 feet at the shoulder, and their heads even higher. Their long legs help them keep cool by keeping them farther from the hot desert sand, and they’re built to navigate tough environments.

Horse

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You might not think of horses as tall at all, but some breeds of horses are actually huge. For example, look at the Shire horse. These gentle giants are the tallest horse breed in the world, and can stand over 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Historically, their size was used for heavy pulling tasks, but nowadays, they are celebrated for their strength and beauty.

Bison

The American bison is a symbol of strength and resilience, and they’re quite a tall bunch. The male bison can stand six feet at the shoulder and, with their massive head and hump, could appear even taller. Be sure to keep your distance if you ever visit Yellowstone National Park; these animals are as powerful as they are impressive.

Kangaroo

Not only does Australia’s most famous marsupial have a pouch and hops well, but it’s also pretty tall. The red kangaroo, with a height standing of over 6 feet when upright, is the largest of its kind. And when they jump? Their powerful legs can get them up to 10 feet off the ground in one leap. Not bad for a grass grazer.

Grizzly Bear

You wouldn’t want to run into a grizzly bear, especially when they’re on their hind legs. They reach heights of 8 to 10 feet in this position. On all fours, they’re impressively tall, around 4 feet at the shoulder. The bears are a stark reminder that nature’s power— and why bear proof trash cans are important.

Lion

Although they might not reach giraffe heights, male lions with their famous manes stand about 4 feet tall at the shoulder. However, they can rear up to over 6 feet tall. They may not be taller than all porches, but they deserve a spot for their reputation and imposing presence.

Polar Bear

The largest land carnivores, polar bears, can stand over 10 feet tall on their hind legs, so they’re a clear porch step surpasser. At the shoulder, these Arctic dwellers are about 5 feet tall, even on all fours. With thick fur and a layer of fat, they’re built for cold weather.

Okapi

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Okapis are smaller than their giraffe cousins but tall enough to take porch steps in a single leap. These Central African rainforest natives are elusive animals standing 5 feet at the shoulder. They look like zebras with striped legs, but their closest relative is the giraffe, a family resemblance you may see if you catch sight of their long tongues.

White-Tailed Deer

While not towering, white tailed deer, an adult male with antlers can easily rise 5 to 6 feet tall. Not only do those antlers add height, they are also a striking feature during mating season. If you’ve ever had one of these come through your yard, you know they have an uncanny knack for looking you right in the eye – like they know they’re the boss.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.