The Majestic Elk is one of the largest and most famous species of deer on the planet. Whilst they have been at risk over the last few years, they are repopulating their habitat in certain areas across the USA. This is great news for wildlife fans. In addition, it’s interesting to learn more about this large, sometimes aggressive, and downright beautiful type of deer.
If you have ever did an online search on types of deer, the elk is perhaps one of the most commonly referred to. This is aside from the popular ‘Bambi’ appearance of a deer.
Formerly known as the Cervus Canadensis, elk groups are called a gang. These animals certainly pack a size-able punch, especially during the mating season, when it is not unusual to see males clash aggressively, with horns locked.
Age, Weight and Size
Overall, this animal is expected to live for around 8-12 years in general. They can weigh anything from 325 – 1100lb overall – that’s huge! Besides the Moose, an elk is certainly one of the largest species of deer on the planet, and their majesty is certainly something to be hold.
They stand proud, with their neck straight and their antlers sometimes protruding up to 4 feet above their heads. This can make them around 9 feet in height!
They are sometimes also known as the Wapiti. This is Native American for the ‘light colored deer’, and that is basically what this animal is. Although the actual shade varies from deer to deer, the lighter color means that they can easily disappear into the background.
Whilst they used to be much more easily spotted than it is today, there are pockets of the USA where this animal is particularly easier to spot. Back in the day, you could spot these beautiful and majestic creatures all over the States. However, a large amount of deer hunting in concentrated areas drove the deer to migrate to higher ground to feed, where they feel safer and less threatened.
Nowadays you are much more likely to see them in their habitat in the western reaches of America. These include Yellowstone National Park, and Wyoming National Elk Refuge. There are other areas where they are encouraged to return to also. Hopefully over time this will bring them back to the USA and Canada in larger numbers overall.
Elk Antlers
The large antlers of the elk bull (male) is the most prominent feature of this type of deer, aside from their sheer size and bulk. Some bulls can appear huge, and they are loud too! During mating season it isn’t unusual to hear large bellowing sounds emitted from the wooded areas where they roam. This is the male mating call in an attempt to attract a female for mating.
During this time, you may also be privy to clashes between elk males. These can sometimes become violent, with stamping of hooves, and clashing of antlers. These are two of the most common stand-off features of this type of deer.
If you have a picture in your head of an elk being a quiet and stand-offish type of creature, the male will show you that this particular stereotype is certainly not always correct!
The large antlers are actually shed every year, around March. However, over the year they do grow back, just in time to attract that mate during the breeding season. This happens typically in the later summer months.
The females, also known as cows, are much smaller than males. However, they still stand larger than other typical species of deer you may have seen, such as white-tailed deer.
Elk Habitat
Prior to the summer breeding season, during the colder weather of winter, they will migrate up to the mountains. This is typically to try to find patches of grass which aren’t covered in thick snow.
You will find large elk herds (gangs) during this particular time. However, you will also notice that prior to the mating season, males and females (bulls and cows) will keep their distance from each other. During this time, they are rarely seen close to each other.
During summer however, you will find elk cows towards the higher ground, where they go to give birth. This is thought to be a protection effort, as the cow attempts to protect the young from threats. Cows will give birth to just one calf, and these are quite hardy little creatures. They are able to stand after just 20 minutes of life! Calves also rapidly grow in size during the first few months and first year of their life.
Summary
While the elk is a very well known version of deer, it is also one which is thought to be the most aggressive in terms of behavior. This tends to be more linked to the male (bull) during mating season. This is when they can become rather aggressive towards other bulls in the area.
They are of course in a fight for the attention of potential mates. This can lend itself towards clashing of those large and tall antlers. These can sometimes span up to 4 feet in height, above their head. During this time, if you do see a clash, it is best to stay out of the way, as when one of these animals sees red, you never know.
While it is not as easy as it used to be to spot one, efforts are underway to entice them back into their original habitat. This includes wooded areas and higher mountain areas in the USA and Canada.
Elk are one of the Biggest of the Species
They are one of the largest of the main types of deer you will ever spot, and their stature is what lends itself to their majestic nature. When a bull stands straight and proud, they are huge, they are imposing, and they are spectacular to see.
Have you spotted one in the wild? Have you been lucky enough to witness the antler clashing sounds and the sheer force of a male battling another during mating season? The iconic picture of a proud elk against a snowy background is something that you should attempt to see at least once during your wilderness outdoor adventures, for sure!
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