The mid-sized cousin in the deer/elk/moose family. Elk are noticably larger than deer, and noticably smaller than moose. Sporting a distinctive mane or ruff that is longer on bulls than cows, and antlers that generally have five tines projecting from the main branch for a total of six points. Bulls (male) can weigh more than 1,000 pounds, but seldom exceed 900 pounds during hunting season. Cows (female) tend to weigh a more modest 500-600 pounds.
The elk is often found at higher elevations during summer months, and move down into grass and shrub for winter ranges. They don't often spend their winters too far from trees because of the thermal cover provided there. When eating, elk tend to favor grasses, sedge, forbs, deciduous shrubs and young chokecherry or maple trees. Grass is preferred over all others when readily available.
Bulls tend to gather and hold harems, and challenge one another by bugling. Bugling is a distinctive sound that begins deep with resonance and grows to a high pitched squeal before concluding in a succession of grunts.
