Elk Vintage Orange

Elk

The Elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis), also called wapiti, the largest and most advanced subspecies of red deer (Cervus elaphus), found in North America and in high mountains of Central Asia. It is a member of the deer family, Cervidae (order Artiodactyla). Recent genetic studies suggest that the “red deer” may be three species: the European red deer, the Tibetan–West Chinese red deer, and the elk. Elk are classic red deer in their biology. However, they are more highly adapted to life in open plains, to grazing, and to cold, long winters. They evolved as fast endurance runners that are very difficult to catch even with the best of horses, particularly in broken terrain. Nevertheless, they get their chief protection from predators by forming large groups. Exceeded in size only by the moose, large male elk from Alberta average 380 kg (840 pounds) in early winter. Body mass varies considerably within and between populations and increases from south to north. Exceptional bulls exceed 500 kg (1,100 pounds) in weight; bulls from southern California average about 110 kg (240 pounds). Compared with other red deer, female elk are more similar to bulls in external appearance and body mass. During winter all elk have well-developed, dark neck manes that contrast sharply with their tan or light brown body color.

Credit Britannica