The elk, or wapiti, is one of the largest members of the deer family and one of the largest land mammals in North America and eastern Asia. Bull elk grow the largest antlers of any deer species — their antlers can span up to 1.2 metres wide and weigh 18 kg, and are shed and regrown every year. The autumn rut is one of nature’s great spectacles, with bull elk bugling at extraordinary volume to attract females and intimidate rivals.
About the Elk
Cervus canadensis
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💡 Fun Facts
01
Elk antlers are the fastest growing tissue of any mammal, gaining up to 2.5 cm per day during peak summer growth.
02
The distinctive bugle of a rutting bull elk can be heard up to 5 km away and consists of a low bellow that rises to a high-pitched squeal before ending with grunts.
03
Elk are strong swimmers and will readily cross wide lakes and rivers, with wolves sometimes driving herds into water to exhaust them.
04
A bull elk may breed with up to 20 cows in a single rutting season but loses 20% of his body weight in the process due to constant fighting and vocalising.
05
Elk have a scent gland called the metatarsal gland on the inside of each hind leg that releases pheromones used in communication during rut.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Temperate Forest
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