Elk+Characteristics

Prouty, Doug. bigelk2.jpg. July 2005. Pics4Learning. 30 Jul 2008 

=Physical Characteristics=

The adult male (bull) reaches a height of 4-5 feet at their shoulders. With the exception of when they are in rut, their weight seldom exceeds 900 pounds. The female (cow) weighs between 500-600 pounds. Their bodies are thick with longer and slender necks and legs. They will vary in color from light gray to brown with the neck, legs and head a dark brown. They have short tails and along with the rump area is lighter beige or tan. During the summer their coat becomes much thinner and takes on a reddish brown color. Elk are one of the largest species of mammals in North America with only the moose being larger.

Bulls shed their antlers each year in late winter. They begin to grow antlers in late spring, with the growth process continuing until last summer. Each year the antlers grow more complex and broader. While the antlers are growing, they are covered with a soft fur referred to as velvet. During the mating season elk go into rut, they rub the fur off of their antlers. During this time the males participate in bulging which is a type of antler wrestling.

The elk has become a strong runner with the ability to run 30 mph for a long period of time. They can reach speeds of over 40 mph for short distances. They are also strong swimmers and can swim distances in excess of one mile mile.