Elk are one of the largest species of deer in the world living in forests and near forest habitats while they feed on grasses, forbs, leaves, bark and plants.  During the summer their coat is a copper brown color which turns to a light tan color in the fall, winter, and spring months.  Their legs and neck are often darker than their body and they have a light beige rump.

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Body Length: 94 inches
Shoulder Height: 51 inches
Male Weight: 710 - 730 pounds
Female Weight: 500 - 530 pounds
Antlers: 30 – 48 inches

 

Gestation period is 7 – 8 months where normally 1 calf is birthed with a reddish-brown color and multiple white spots. The calves stay in hiding until around two weeks old where they are able to follow the females. At 1 month the elk calves will eat grass and other vegetation. Sexual maturity for females is at 2 years while bulls do not reach it until 3 years of age.