Wildlife Information
- Wapiti (elk)
Physical Characteristics
The wapiti is commonly referred to as “elk” and measures 7-½ to 9-½ feet in
length and stands 2 to 5 feet at the shoulder. The male weighs 700 to 1,000
pounds. The female weighs 500 to 600 pounds. The wapiti is the second largest
member of the deer family. The wapiti has a grayish-brown to reddish-brown
coat. Its head and neck are dark brown and its rump is a pale yellowish color.
The male has antlers that are especially elongated, measuring up to 5 feet long
and 4 feet across and weighing 40 pounds.
Home Range
The wapiti lives within a home range of up to 100 square miles.
Feeding Behavior
Active during the early morning and evening hours, the wapiti is a grass eater.
During the spring and summer months, it inhabits high-country alpine meadows
foraging on grass, sedges, herbs, and mushrooms. The first heavy snowfalls
prompt the herds to move down off the mountain range to the valleys below in
search of food and cover. The wapiti digs through the snow to reach grass. It
also eats twigs, bark, and buds of aspen, willow, maple, and chokecherry.
Geographic Location
Historically, the wapiti inhabited much of the United States. Today, however, it
is predominately found in western states. Reintro-duction programs have been
successful in several midwestern states.
Habitat
The wapiti inhabits alpine meadows, forested areas with open fields, and wooded
foothills with grassland edges. It winters in low-lying valleys with the
protection of timber in nearby foothills.
Reproduction
Mating occurs sometime between mid-September to mid-October. “Bugling” announces
the start of the “rut” or mating season, with sounds of “Aaaaeeeeuuuuh! E-ugh!
E-ugh! E-ugh!” Bulls bugle to warn other bulls to keep their distance and to
intimidate rivals. Bulls fight for the right to breed, sometimes to the death.
Bulls create a wallowing area and gather a “harem” or group of cows. Gestation
length is 8 months. In June a single calf is born weighing 35 pounds. Within a
couple hours the calf is able to stand and nurse. The calf is tan in color with
white spots. Spots begin to fade at weaning time, usually three months after
birth.
Did You Know?
-
The name “wapiti” is a Shawnee Indian word for “white,” referring to the light
rump color. European settlers mistakenly called the animal “elk,” which is
German for moose.
- The wapiti can run as fast as a horse for short distances.
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