Elk (Wapiti)

Description:

Elk belong to the deer family. Large bulls may weigh 800 lbs and have large antlers, which are shed annually. Cows are smaller and are without antlers. Both sexes are tawny brown with darker necks and legs and tan rumps.

Habitat:

Forested edges, grasslands (originally), and mountain forests.

Notes:

I found this big bull one morning in a large meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a stunning sight to see this elk wandering up the hill in my general direction. He passed by about 30 yards away as I stood next to my car. It was a majestic animal in a majestic setting and a memory that I won't forget.