Elk

Cervus canadensis

Elk, Cervus canadensis, are large deer known in North America as elk and in many international contexts as wapiti. They have tan bodies, darker necks, pale rump patches, and impressive branched antlers on mature males. During the autumn rut, bulls bugle, herd cows, and compete with other males. Native populations occur across parts of North America and eastern Asia, with reintroduced or managed herds in several regions where suitable open forest, grassland, and mountain habitat remains.

People manage elk as wild game, conservation animals, and farmed livestock. Free-ranging herds require attention to migration routes, winter range, hunting quotas, predator relationships, and diseases such as chronic wasting disease. Captive elk need high, strong fencing, low-stress handling facilities, pasture or hay, mineral support, and veterinary oversight suited to large cervids. Ranchers may raise them for meat, breeding stock, antlers, or agritourism, while wildlife agencies often focus on habitat connectivity and keeping elk from becoming dependent on crops, lawns, or roadside feeding.