Wapiti

Description:

Originating from Montana and Wyoming, these are the largest of our deer (1,40m at the withers). It is recognizable by the huge appearance of the adult males and by the dark red-brown color of the neck and chest. The mating season lasts from mid-September until the end of October. The females, who generally give birth to only one offspring, do so between the end of May and early June. The males are more aggressive during the mating season, and therefore you must be more cautious. It is the second largest species of deer in the world, after the moose, which is, confusingly, often also called "elk" in Europe. Elk are one of the largest mammals in North America and eastern Asia possessing an even number of toes on each foot, similar to those of camels, goats and cattle. It is a ruminant species, with a four-chambered stomach, and feeds on grasses, plants, leaves and bark. During the summer, wapiti eat almost constantly, consuming between 4.5 and 6.8 kg Only the males have antlers, which start growing in the spring and are shed each winter. The largest antlers may be 1.2 m (4 ft) long and weigh 18 kg (40 lb).[16] Antlers are made of bone which can grow at a rate of 2.5 cm (1 inch) per day. While actively growing, the antlers are covered with and protected by a soft layer of highly vascularised skin known as velvet. The velvet is shed in the summer when the antlers have become fully developed.

Notes:

This spotting was done in a park. These wapitis are captive animals. Parc Oméga is a unique concept in Quebec. It is an immense 1 800 acre park whose purpose is to let you discover many species of wild animals in their natural habitat every day of the year. (Parc Oméga is open all year round.) A 10 km path winds its way through an extraordinarily varied landscape of lakes, meadows, small valleys, forests, and rocky hills. While in the comfort of your vehicule, you can listen to 88.1 FM on your radio to learn more about the animals of the park and their habits. We also invite you to take a walk on one of our romantic paths and enjoy a picnic with your family.