Elk: Cervus canadensis

The second largest deer in the world - the Wapiti

The North American Elk is the second largest species of deer in the world, passed only by the moose.  When Europeans came to the new world, the species native Americans called the wapiti, was an unfamiliar deer-like animal.  It reminded them most of the moose, known in Sweden as the 'elg' and in Germany as 'Elch'.  Thus, the name elk was given to the species Cervus canadensis.

Where do Elk live?

Elk are found throughout North America, but mostly in and west of, the Rocky Mountains.  If you include the Red deer, which has been recently combined with this species, the range extends to Asia.

What do Elk Eat?

Elk forage on grasses, plants, leaves and bark in the forest and forest-edge habitat. They are one of the few animals to do what is called 'barking' where they tear off bits of the bark with their I-teeth.   

Elk Predators.

Other than humans there are several native North American mammals that prey upon elk.  In particular, they are preyed upon by both grizzly and black bears and wolves.  The wolve-elk relationship in Yellowstone is a classic predator-prey example.  Predatory action of wolves in yellowstone help keep elk in more forested areas.  Without wolves they spend more time in river-beds and decrease willow cover.  This adversly effects other animals in the ecosystem.

Young calving elk are preyed upon by other predators, particularly the bears, canines and cougars.

Antlers

Elk produce giant antlers weighing as much if not more than 40 pounds each.  Typically they have 5 points.  These antlers, unlike horns of bovids, are bone that regrow each year.  In the winter they drop their antlers and start growing new ones each spring.