# Elk (*Cervus canadensis*)

> 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. Elk herds graze open meadows and forest edges across western North America, and males produce a famous autumn bugle during the rut.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Western North America from Canada through the United States, with introduced herds in several eastern states; related red deer populations occur in East Asia.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/elk/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Artiodactyla
- **Family:** Cervidae
- **Genus:** Cervus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Cervus canadensis |
| Diet | Herbivore — grasses, forbs, bark, and browse |
| Habitat | Grasslands, open forests, and mountain meadows |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years in the wild (up to 20 in protected areas) |
| Weight | Bulls up to 450 kg (990 lb); cows about 230–270 kg |
| Top speed | Up to 72 km/h (45 mph) in short bursts |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## The rut and bugling

Each autumn bull elk gather harems and bugle — a piercing call that carries across valleys to attract cows and warn rivals. Bulls clash antlers in shoving matches that can leave scars or broken tines. After the rut, bulls lose weight and shed their antlers in winter.

## Migration and herd life

Many elk populations migrate seasonally between high summer range and lower winter range, sometimes crossing busy roads and development corridors. Cows, calves, and yearlings form herds for much of the year, while mature bulls are often solitary outside the breeding season.

## Antlers and growth

Only males grow antlers, which begin as velvet-covered bone in spring, harden by autumn, and are shed after the rut. Antler size reflects age, nutrition, and genetics. Elk antlers are among the fastest-growing bone structures in the animal kingdom.

## Conservation and reintroduction

Elk were nearly extirpated from much of the United States by the early 1900s but recovered through hunting regulation and reintroduction, including the famous Yellowstone herds. Today they are Least Concern globally, though local herds face habitat fragmentation and chronic wasting disease in some regions.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between elk and moose?

Moose are much larger, have palm-shaped antlers and a bulbous nose, and prefer wetland browse. Elk are smaller, bugle during the rut, and carry tall, branching antlers.

### Why do elk bugle?

Bulls bugle during the autumn rut to attract females and intimidate rival males. The sound combines a high whistle with a low grunt and can carry several kilometres in open country.

### How fast can an elk run?

Elk can reach about 72 km/h (45 mph) in short bursts — faster than any human — and maintain a steady gallop to escape wolves and other predators.

### Where do elk live?

Native to North America and eastern Asia (where related red deer occur). In North America they range from Canada through the western United States, with reintroduced herds in several eastern states.

### Are elk dangerous?

Elk generally flee from people, but bulls during the rut and cows with calves can charge if approached too closely. Parks advise keeping at least 25 metres distance.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Cervus canadensis.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Cervus%20canadensis&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Cervus canadensis. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cervus_canadensis/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/elk/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.