Canyon Country Animals
Mammals: Elk
Scientific Name: Cervus elaphus
A large, heavy member of the deer family. The head and shoulders are dark brown and the legs are very dark; the body is brownish to creamy tan with a whitish rump patch and short, stubby tail. Males (bulls) have very large antlers, with tines rising from one main beam. These bulls may be five feet in height at the shoulder, with a live weight of 1,000 pounds.
Their habitat is forest and chaparral; prefers open, grassy meadows for feeding; heavy timber and deep canyons for shelter.
They are the largest native herbivore, elk prefer grazing but do utilize browse plants. They are prey to the mountain lion. Bear and coyote may prey upon calves.
Single calves are born in May or June and may live to 15 years in the wild.
Photos
Notes
The main photo on this page was taken in Yellowstone National Park, in August 2004.
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