![]() ![]() The elk’s scientific name was changed to Cervus canadensis to reflect these findings. However, genetic studies conducted in 2004 found that the elk and the red deer are separate species. This is why the word “elk” can refer to two different animals: the elk in North America and the moose in parts of Europe (although the word “moose” is also frequently used in Europe).įor many years, elk were considered to be a subspecies of red deer ( Cervus elaphus), which are found in Europe, as well as in western and central Asia. Early European visitors to North America named the species elk believing them to be moose( Alces alces), which in Europe are called elk. The naming and classification of the elk has been a confused affair. Elk Vs Moose The moose is known as an elk in Europe. These prehistoric deer species are most likely the ancestors of the modern-day elk. There are no deer in the North American fossil record until the early Miocene period, approximately 20 million years ago. Today, up to 51 species of deer are recognized ( source) Representatives of the deer family first appear in the fossil record some 25 million years ago in Eurasia. You can find out why on this page: Are Whales Mammals? Surprisingly, Artiodactyla also includes the cetaceans (animals such as whales, dolphins and porpoises). Terms such as “family” and “order” are explained on this page: Animal Classification.This group of hoofed mammals also contains animals such as cattle, sheep, giraffes and hippopotamuses. Cervidae is part of a larger group of mammals: the order Artiodactyla, whose members are also known as “even-toed ungulates”. These extremely loud and penetrating calls can be heard from several miles away.Įlk belong to the family Cervidae – the deer family. Elk Bugling Bull elk buglingĭuring the rut (mating season), bull elk emit characteristic, high-pitched screaming calls. When the mating season is over, the antlers are shed a new pair will begin to grow at the start of the next spring. ![]() The velvet is rubbed off once the antlers are fully developed. The antlers have a central core of bone and, while growing, are covered with a layer of skin known as velvet, which is richly supplied with blood vessels. The bull elk’s antlers are used to attract females and to fight off rival males and predators. ![]() (A notable exception to this rule is female reindeer / caribou, which do have antlers.) (18 kg).Īs is the case with most deer species, female elk do not grow antlers. When the antlers are fully developed, they may weigh as much as 40 lb. Male elk develop large, branched antlers during the spring. The name wapiti comes from Shawnee and Cree word “waapiti”, which refers to the elk’s white rump. ![]() In winter both male and female elk develop a mane of dark hair around their necks. The color and thickness of an elk’s coat changes with the season in winter it becomes thick and greyish, whereas in summer it is thinner, shorter and darker in color. What Does An Elk Look Like? A group of female elk.Įlk are large ungulates (hoofed mammals) with dark reddish-brown coats and pale patches on their rumps. Weight: Elk bulls are as much as 25 percent heavier than the cows.Shoulder height: bulls 5 ft (1.5 m) cows 4.5 ft (1.3 m).Length (nose to rump): bulls average 8 ft (2.4 m) cows average 6.5 ft (2 m).Where Found: North America and east Asia.Other species in Cervidae include the moose, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, roe deer and reindeer. Animal Family: Cervidae (the deer family).Type of Animal: Mammals in the order Artiodactyla (the even-toad ungulates), which contains cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, sheep, goats and antelopes.The species’ conservation rating is “Least Concern”.Įlk Facts At A Glance A bull elk in the National Bison Range, Montana. Today, the total elk population numbers around two million individuals, and is thought to be increasing. Bull elk are characterized by their impressive, branched antlers and loud “bugling” cries, which can be heard during the fall mating season.Įlk are thought to have evolved about 20 million years ago in the steppe regions of Beringia, a mass of land that once stretched between Siberia in northeastern Asia and Alaska in northwestern North America. It is found in forest, shrubland and grassland habitats in North America and eastern Asia. The elk is the second-largest species of deer in the world (only the moose is larger). ![]()
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