Elk are members of the deer family which comprises (from largest to smallest) moose, moose, caribou, and deer. Bulls weigh from six hundred to eight hundred pounds or more. Moose have eyes on the sides of their heads that allow them to see in any direction except behind them. Moose are large ungulates found in Europe, North America, New Zealand, and the Far East. They are very flexible and thrive in a wide range of environments. Elk now live as far east as Pennsylvania, where they were reintroduced in the early 20th century, and now more than seven hundred elk roam the forests in the north-central part of the state. Moose populations are also growing in other states where they had all but disappeared.
Elk can be pale gray, tan, or brown to reddish in color, depending on the species. Bulls tend to be lighter in color than cows. The pale-rumped moose called “moose,” which is Shawnee for “white-rumped,” is found in the woodlands, mountain meadows, foothills, plains, swamps, and coniferous forests of western North America. Elk are powerful and muscular. Bulls are twenty-five percent larger than cows at maturity. Elk are one of the largest land animals in North America and are the most common larger mammal found in Yellowstone National Park. They are herbivorous animals that can find plenty of food in places where deer normally cannot. They consume an average of 20 pounds of food every day. Elk are ruminant animals, similar to cows, and therefore regurgitate their food and re-chew it to aid in digestion.
Moose grow horns that provide a method of defense, as does a powerful kick to the foreleg, which both sexes perform if prompted. Antlers are made of bone that can grow up to an inch each day. Growing antlers are soft and manageable and are covered in hairy skin called velvet. Elk shed their antlers beginning in late February for the larger males, and extending through late April and even early May for the younger ones. Each year new antlers begin to grow again in summer. These antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds and be up to 5 feet wide.
Moose also lose and replace their hair twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. They often roll in mud to loosen their dead winter coats and help dislodge pesky parasites. Moose are best viewed from a distance, using binoculars or a spotting scope to view them up close.
Elk are primarily crepuscular, most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They are wood-oriented animals, preferring to be in cool shade. Moose are social creatures. They live in summer herds with four hundred others. The moose can live twenty years or more in captivity, but an average of 10 to 14 years in natural habitats. Bulls often do not live as long as cows, rarely exceeding twelve years.
cows
Starting in the second fall of their lives, cows generally give birth to a single fawn 8 1/2 months after mating. Calves are precocious, walking right after birth. They are born in late May or early June, and weigh thirty to forty pounds when hatched, and 225 to 275 pounds when weaned about six months later. Calves are born with a protective coloration of light spots on their backs that act as camouflage. They grow quickly and lose their spots at the end of the summer. Cows often leave their newborn calves vulnerable while they go to feed, falling prey to bobcats, coyotes, and the like.
routine
Moose are generally passive animals and although human attacks are rare, they do occur. Elk are large and wild animals and can be deadly, especially during the rut. The antlers are an indication of strength and dominance among the males and are used to attract females in the breeding season. Bulls are only territorial during mating season and are otherwise not assertive with other elk. Bulls gain weight in the summer, then show little interest in feeding, losing up to 40% of their body weight during heat. Bull elk entering the rut in poor condition are less certain to reach the peak conception period or have the strength to survive the severity of the approaching winter.
Bull elk are only capable of breeding from about August to January, with cows cycling only around that same period. Bulls do not actively come into heat until they are around three years of age, although they may first breed as foals, at approximately sixteen months of age. Elk are harem breeders and can mate with up to 50 cows in a season. There is some evidence that females select the male. Elk are naturally gregarious in all seasons, but in spring and summer older bulls are often alone or in bachelor herds, and normally live apart for much of the year.
Elk are the loudest member of the deer family in North America. Bulls have a loud vocalization made up of calls known as bugles, which can be heard for miles. They vie for dominance through buglers, combat, and driving off would-be rivals.
moose hunting
Elk are hunted as a game species and are often subject to limited and legal sport hunting. Hunting has been used as an elk management system to keep the number of elk in balance with their habitat. Hunting license fees contribute to elk research and the acquisition of additional vital elk habitat.
elk farming
Although many farmers consider elk a pest, some farmers raise them commercially for hunting, meat production, and velvet gathering. Beef for meat production is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken, but is generally tougher and requires marinating, grinding, or stewing. The bulls produce velvet each year and an average two year old male produces 9 pounds of velvet. Velvet is considered by some cultures as an aphrodisiac. Western North America and New Zealand are home to many commercial elk breeders.
Whether you enjoy hunting them, eating them, or just enjoying their majesty, magnificence, and beauty, everyone must admit that they add a deep appreciation to our lives.
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