Quick answer
Elks are opportunistic foragers — diet shifts with season and habitat. See our full profile for prey, plants, and feeding behaviour.
Diet overview
The elk, or wapiti, is one of the largest deer species in the world, with bulls weighing up to 450 kg (990 lb) and carrying impressive antlers shed each year.
Feeding behaviour
Many elks adjust what they eat as food availability changes through the year.
Ecological role
As predators or herbivores, they shape the ecosystems they inhabit.
FAQs
Where can I learn more about the elk?
See our full elk profile for habitat, diet, and conservation status.
Where do these facts come from?
This page is researched from established zoological references including IUCN Red List data and our full elk species profile.