ELK
DESCRIPTION
Elk, also known as wapiti, are large members of the deer family native to North America and parts of Asia. They are known for their impressive antlers and are one of the largest species of deer.
FUN FACTS
- Elk can run up to 45 miles per hour | Males shed their antlers annually, regrowing larger ones each year | Elk are known for their distinctive bugling calls during the mating season
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-13 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight200-450 kg
Average Length2.4-3.0 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — typically found in herds, especially females and young, while males may be solitary or form small bachelor groups.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonFall (September-November)
- Habitat
- Elk inhabit a range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions. They prefer areas with ample vegetation for grazing and cover for shelter.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Mountain
- Native Range
- Elk are native to North America and parts of East Asia, with populations in the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian region.
- Continent
- North America, Asia
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mongolia, China
- Diet
- Elk are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses, leaves, and bark. They also consume a variety of shrubs and forbs, especially in the summer months.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses, leaves, bark
- Social Structure
- group — typically found in herds, especially females and young, while males may be solitary or form small bachelor groups.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-100
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
LC
200-450 kg
Weight
2.4-3.0 m
Length
1.5 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- light brown to dark brown with a lighter patch on the rump
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are larger and have antlers, females do not
- Lifespan
- 10-13 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 240 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Fall (September-November)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- Elk populations are generally stable, but some local populations may be threatened due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1 million
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock. Disease outbreaks can also impact local populations.
- Predators
- wolves, bears, mountain lions
- Defense Mechanisms
- Elk use their size and speed to escape predators, and they can also defend themselves with their antlers.
- Found in Zoos
- Common