Elk
A cow elk and calf walk past the Roosevelt Arch; NPS/Jacob W. Frank; October 12, 2018
A bull elk bugling in Mammoth Hot Springs; Jim Peaco; September 25, 2014
About
Elk (Cervus canadensis) are the most abundant large animal in Yellowstone with an estimated 10,000-20,000 individuals in six to seven different herds in the summer. There are only about 2,000 individuals in the winter as they migrate to lower elevations in the northern and southern ranges of the park. Another name for elk is “wapiti” which comes from Shawnee meaning “white deer” or “white-rumped deer.” Elk are an important food source for predators and scavengers in the park and make up 85% of winter wolf kills.
During the spring, male elk grow new antlers to ready them for fall rut–their mating season. They use their large antlers to fight with other bulls over the mating right to cows. Although they are prey animals, elk antlers and hooves can be very dangerous and it is important to keep one’s distance. Cow elk are highly protective of their calves and even without antlers, they can cause a lot of damage with their hooves.
Helpful Links
- Elk, National Park Service
- History of Elk Management with Yellowstone wildlife biologist, Dan Stahler, National Park Service (video)
- Minute Out In It: Managing the Elk Rut, National Park Service (video)
From the Archive
Library Resources
Ask a Question
Submit questions to yell_research_library@nps.gov. You can alternatively call the library at (307) 344-2264, or visit us in person.
