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North American Elk Facts
The Elk or Wapiti (Cervus canadensis) is one of the largest species of the deer family (Cervidae) in the world and one of the largest land mammals in North America and East Asia. They are ruminants, characterized by long, slender legs, large antlers in the males, and a distinctive rump patch.
Physical CharacteristicsElk are characterized by their robust size, large antlers in males, and a light-colored rump patch.
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Average Bull Weight | 700 to 1,000 lbs (320 to 450 kg) |
Average Cow Weight | 500 to 600 lbs (225 to 270 kg) |
Shoulder Height | 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) |
Coat Color | Typically brown or reddish-brown in the summer, turning to a thicker, grayish coat in the winter. |
Rump Patch | Distinctive pale yellow or yellowish-white patch surrounding the tail. |
Antlers | Found on males (bulls), they can span up to 4 feet and can weigh over 40 lbs. They are shed and regrown annually. |
North American Elk were historically widespread but are now concentrated in the western United States and Canada, with some herds re-established in the East.
- Geographic Range: North America (primarily the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest regions), and several populations in Asia (Siberia and East China).
- Preferred Habitat: Forests and forest edges, as well as mountain meadows and open grasslands. They are highly adaptable and can be found from sea level to high alpine regions.
- Migration: Many populations are migratory, moving to higher elevations in the summer and lower, sheltered valleys in the winter.
Elk are herbivores and classified as grazers and browsers, meaning they consume a variety of vegetation depending on the season and availability.
- Primary Diet: Grasses and forbs (flowering plants) make up the majority of their diet.
- Winter Diet: When grasses are scarce, they rely on browsing woody plants, including the bark and twigs of shrubs and trees.
- Water: They must drink water daily, especially during the summer months.
Elk breeding season is known as the rut, during which bulls compete fiercely for access to females (cows).
Detail | Description |
|---|---|
Rut Season | Generally occurs in the early fall. |
Mating Behavior | Bulls bugle (a loud, high-pitched call) to challenge rivals and attract cows. The dominant bull gathers a "harem" of cows. |
Gestation Period | Approximately 240 to 262 days. |
Calving | A single calf is usually born in the late spring or early summer. |
Calf Appearance | Calves are born spotted and weigh about 30 to 35 lbs. They lose their spots as they grow older. |
Parental Care | Calves stay with their mother for nearly a year. |
Elk populations have recovered significantly from near-extinction in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to successful conservation and reintroduction efforts. They are now considered a species of "Least Concern" globally, though local populations require ongoing management.
The North American Elk is a keystone species, playing a critical role in structuring plant communities and serving as a major prey animal for predators like wolves, mountain lions, and bears.
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