Elk+Predators

=Predators=

Although it is hard to imagine a large animals such as an Elk does have several predators that commonly hunt them with success. Mountain lions, wolves and bears do     prey on elk at various times of the year and practice hunting methods uniquely suited to each predator's abilities.Even a large antlered bull has very little defense against an attack from an animal as small as a hundred pound mountain lion. A bull's antlers, though large and massive looking, serve mostly as a jousting tool during fall rutting battles. Actually, an elk's large size and body frame are detriments when attacked by a predator at close range because an elk is to slow to avoid a sudden charge,or out run most predators in a short distance.

The most deadly defensive tactic of an elk is to stand its ground and kick its attacker with its hard, sharp-edged hooves. An elk's forelegs have the ability to deliver a tremendous blow and have been responsible for many wounded, maimed and dead predators who were not fast enough to avoid one of those slashing hooves.

Most predation on elk occurs during the late spring when the cows give birth. The major large predators, plus some medium sized predators such as coyotes and bobcats normally avoid the larger elk roam the calving grounds and prey on the newborn elk.

Rouleau, Gary. "Cleaning Up the Wolf Kill". Yellowstone National Park. . . 30 July, 2008.