Rocky Mountain Elk

Two bull elk

NPS Photo

Cervus elaphus nelsoni

Size (length):
Males (referred to as bulls) 8 ft (2.4 m) nose to tail, 5 ft at shoulder (1.5 m), 700 lbs (315 kg); Females (referred to as cows) 6 ½ ft (2 m) nose to tail, 4 ½ ft (1.3 m) at shoulder, 500lbs (225 kg)

Habitat:
Summers in the mountains between 6,000 and10,000 feet elev.; Winters at lower elevations with less snow and better grazing and forage

Diet: Herbivore

Predators: Wolves, bears, mountain lions, coyotes and eagles

General Biology:

Elk, also referred to as “Wapiti” (Shawnee for “white rump”), are the second largest member of the deer family, after moose. They are easily recognized by their large size and cream-colored rumps. They are found throughout the mountains of Utah. During the hotter summer months, they will be found at altitudes above 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) particularly in aspen forests for forage and shelter. In the autumn, elk will migrate to lower elevations where there is less snow and foraging and grazing opportunities are improved during the winter. Mature bulls develop a large set of antlers, generally with six points, or tines, on each side. Cows do not develop antlers. Bull yearlings (one and a half years in age) grow unbranched antlers, or spikes as they are called. Yearlings in good physical condition may grow additional tines at the end of his antlers. Bull elk shed their antlers and begin the process of growing new ones each spring. While their antlers develop, they will be protected by a soft covering referred to as velvet. Once antlers are fully developed, the bulls will scrape them against trees and brush to remove the velvet.

Behavior:

Elk are vocal animals. They will communicate within the herd using a variety of calls. Chirps and mews are used for general conversation among the herd, squeals may be herd when a cow is communicating with its calf, and elk will emit a bark when alarmed. Cows, calves and older elk will generally remain in a herd through the summer, while bulls will tend to be more solitary until mating season, referred to as the rut, typically beginning in early September. The herds provide protection from predators. During the rut, bulls will bugle to announce his availability and to warn other bulls away. Herds will become smaller, breaking up into groups consisting of smaller number of cows, calves (referred to as “harems”) and a bull. Bulls will challenge each other for dominance over the harems. Mating season concludes by mid-October.

Conservation:

Elk, once widely distributed throughout North America, but were eliminated from the state of Utah by the end of the 19^th century due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. In the early 1900’s Rocky Mountain Elk were reintroduced into the state and, in 1971, became Utah’s state mammal. Habitat availability remains a critical element to the species survival. Outside the park, hunting is regulated by permits which are issued based on the overall health and status of the state herd. As a national park, Bryce Canyon provides a refuge and sanctuary for elk during the summer months.

When to see at Bryce Canyon:

Elk are most commonly seen in Bryce Canyon National Park during the summer months, when it is hotter at lower elevations.

Elk are dangerous and unpredictable. DO NOT APPROACH ELK.
Warning signs to watch for are head held high, ears laid back and flaring nostrils. Give elk a lot of space – they can run much faster than we can. Enjoy them from a distance of at least 25 yards (7.5 meters)