Animals

ELK

The term elk actually refers to two different animals. In Europe, elk refers to the animal known as moose in North America (scientific name Alces alces). In North America, elk refers to the Wapiti deer (Cervus elaphus). The pictures you see below are of the Wapati.

The elk is the second largest animal in the deer family (the 'moose' is the biggest). It has unfortunately suffered the same fate as the American Bison. Once abundant in large numbers throughout North America, it now mostly lives under the protection of national parks and wildlife refuges.

These animals can be distinguished from deer by their grayish brown coat and dark thick mane.

They are not usually aggressive unless you manage to get yourself between a male and his females.

The male can reach 5 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. His antlers have 5 or more points on each branch and can weigh up to 30 pounds.

The best time to see these animals is during their rutting (or mating) season in the fall. Large groups gather in the clearings while the strongest males battle it out.

Herds graze in the autumn scenic beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

This is not a statue! During the fall season, elk tend to wander freely in the nearby city of Estes Park.

They treat the city as their own, freely walking on the streets or crossing bridges when necessary.

These females play happily in the creek.




animals pikas prairie dogs marmots badgers rabbits voles tree squirrels ground squirrels chipmunks beavers muskrats bears coyotes deer ELK bison bighorn sheep pronghorn geese water birds common birds mountain birds birds of prey land birds butterflies bees & bugs lizards others		ELK The term elk actually refers to two different animals. In Europe, elk refers to the animal known as moose in North America (scientific name Alces alces). In North America, elk refers to the Wapiti deer (Cervus elaphus). The pictures you see below are of the Wapati. The elk is the second largest animal in the deer family (the 'moose' is the biggest). It has unfortunately suffered the same fate as the American Bison. Once abundant in large numbers throughout North America, it now mostly lives under the protection of national parks and wildlife refuges. These animals can be distinguished from deer by their grayish brown coat and dark thick mane. They are not usually aggressive unless you manage to get yourself between a male and his females. The male can reach 5 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. His antlers have 5 or more points on each branch and can weigh up to 30 pounds. The best time to see these animals is during their rutting (or mating) season in the fall. Large groups gather in the clearings while the strongest males battle it out. Herds graze in the autumn scenic beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is not a statue! During the fall season, elk tend to wander freely in the nearby city of Estes Park. They treat the city as their own, freely walking on the streets or crossing bridges when necessary. These females play happily in the creek.