ELK

Elk are one of the largest species of deer in the world, with males, or bulls, weighing up to 1,100 pounds and standing up to 5 feet tall at the shoulder. They are also known as wapiti, which means "white rump" in Shawnee, a Native American language. This name is fitting, as elk have a light-colored patch of fur on their hindquarters.

Elk are found throughout North America, from Canada down to Mexico. They inhabit a wide variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. Elk are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grasses, shrubs, and leaves. During the winter, they will also eat bark and twigs from trees. They are social animals and live in herds. During the breeding season, or rut, males will compete for the attention of females, or cows. They do this by bugling, which is a loud, high-pitched call that can be heard from miles away. Males will also fight each other using their antlers, which can grow up to 4 feet long.

Elk are an important part of many Native American cultures, and their meat and hides have been used for food, clothing, and shelter for thousands of years. They are also popular with hunters, who prize them for their large size and impressive antlers. Overall, elk are fascinating animals that play an important role in the ecosystems of North America. They are a true symbol of the wild, and their majestic presence is a sight to behold!