Elk are one of the largest deer species in the world, with mature bulls weighing up to 1,100 pounds and standing nearly five feet tall at the shoulder. Also known as wapiti; meaning “white rump” in the Shawnee language; elk are named for the light-colored patch of fur on their hindquarters.

Found across North America from Canada to Mexico, elk thrive in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and open terrain. They are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, shrubs, and leaves, with bark and twigs supplementing their diet during winter months. Elk are highly social animals that live in herds, and during the fall rut, bulls compete for mates through bugling calls and antler clashes. Deeply rooted in Native American culture and highly valued by hunters today, elk remain a powerful symbol of the wild landscapes they inhabit.