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Elk or Wapati

Cervus canadensis

Description:

One of the largest species of deer in the world, and one of the largest land mammals in North America and eastern Asia. It was long believed to be a subspecies of the European red deer (Cervus elaphus), but evidence from a 2004 study of the mitochondrial DNA indicates that the two are distinct species. This animal should not be confused with the larger moose (Alces alces), to which the name "elk" applies in Eurasia. Apart from the moose, the only other member of the deer family to rival the elk in size is the south Asian sambar (Rusa unicolor).

Habitat:

Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. Although native to North America and eastern Asia, they have adapted well to countries where they have been introduced, including Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. Their great adaptability may threaten endemic species and ecosystems into which they have been introduced. Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.

Notes:

Elk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely through vaccination, have had mixed success. Some cultures revere the elk as a spiritual force. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines. Elk are hunted as a game species; the meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken

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5 Comments

FrancisQuintana
FrancisQuintana 11 years ago

Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.

FrancisQuintana
FrancisQuintana 11 years ago

Thank you for the comment KarenL!

FrancisQuintana
FrancisQuintana 11 years ago

Thank you for the comment Teacher Marie!

KarenL
KarenL 11 years ago

Great shots Francis!

Marie Cuenca
Marie Cuenca 11 years ago

Nice! :-)

FrancisQuintana
Spotted by
FrancisQuintana

Wyoming, USA

Spotted on Jul 14, 2009
Submitted on Oct 18, 2012

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