Elk

The elk, also called wapiti in North America, is one of the largest deer species, native to North America and parts of Central and East Asia, recognized by its large size, tan to brown coat with a pale rump patch, and, in males, large branching antlers shed and regrown each year. Elk are highly social, forming large herds outside the breeding season, and males compete for mates during an autumn rut marked by loud bugling calls that can carry long distances through forest and mountain terrain. They graze on grasses and browse on shrubs and trees, often migrating seasonally between higher summer ranges and lower winter ranges. Once nearly eliminated from parts of North America by overhunting, elk populations have recovered substantially through conservation and reintroduction programs, and the species is classified as being of least concern.