Elk
Description: Elk are the second largest member of the deer family in the world — only the moose is larger. A bull (male) American elk can weigh 800 pounds or more, while a cow (female) typically weighs 450 to 500 pounds. Male elk grow large antlers and shed them every spring.
A bull elk
Habitat: Elk live in a variety of habitats but usually prefer alpine meadows in summer, and then move to lower, densely-wooded slopes in winter.
Food: Elk eat willow, maple, broom grass, rye grass, and elk sedge, all of which can be found on BLM lands. They will also browse on serviceberry, mountain ash, and bitter cherry.
Elk in a meadow, courtesy of NBII
Fun Facts: Did you know? An elk's stomach has four chambers: the first stores food and the other three digest it.
Who's Who?
Bull Male elk
Cow Female elk
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