Elk
By the 17th century, Alces alces had long been extirpated from the British Isles. The meaning of the word elk to English-speakers became rather vague. It acquired a meaning similar to large deer. Richard Hakluyt referred to North America as a lande full of many beastes as redd dere in his 1584 Discourse Concerning Western Planting. John Smith's 1616 A Description of New England also called them red deer. Sir William Talbot's 1672 translation noted they were improperly termed Elks by ignorant people. Thomas Jefferson's 1785 Notes on the State of Virginia used red deer to refer to Cervus canadensis. David Bailie Warden's 1816 Statistical Account did the same. The name wapiti is from the Shawnee and Cree word meaning white rump. This refers to the distinctive light fur around the tail region. Animals may fluff-up or raise this fur to signal agitation when fleeing threats. Males use it while courting females or sparring for dominance.
Members of the genus Cervus first appear in the fossil record 25 million years ago during the Oligocene in Eurasia. They do not appear in the North American fossil record until the early Miocene. Until recently, red deer and elk were considered one species named Cervus elaphus. Mitochondrial DNA studies conducted in 2004 on hundreds of samples strongly indicate elk should be a distinct species. These studies show Cervus canadensis is more closely related to Thorold's deer and sika deer than to the red deer. Elk and red deer produce fertile offspring in captivity. The two species have freely inter-bred in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. Cross-bred animals resulted in the disappearance of virtually all pure elk blood from that area. Key morphological differences distinguish C. canadensis from C. elaphus. The former has a wider rump patch and paler-hued antlers. Recent DNA analyses suggest there are no more than three or four total subspecies of elk. All American forms aside from possibly the Tule and Roosevelt's elk seem to belong to one subspecies. The Siberian elk may also belong to this same subspecies.
Elk have thick bodies with slender legs and short tails. They reach a shoulder height of 1.3 meters to 1.5 meters. Males weigh between 300 kilograms and 450 kilograms while females weigh 200 kilograms to 300 kilograms. The largest subspecies is the Roosevelt elk found west of the Cascade Range. Male Roosevelt elk can weigh up to 700 kilograms. Bull elk typically have around six tines on each antler. Antlers grow at a rate of 2 centimeters per day. A soft layer of highly vascularized skin known as velvet covers them while growing. This velvet sheds in summer when antlers fully develop. Bull elk antlers can weigh 9 kilograms. Formation and retention depend on testosterone levels. In late winter and early spring, testosterone drops causing antlers to shed. During fall, elk grow a thicker coat of hair for insulation. Both male and female North American elk grow thin neck manes. By early summer, the heavy winter coat has been shed. Elk rub against trees to help remove hair from their bodies. All elk have small and clearly defined rump patches with short tails. Coloration varies based on seasons and habitats. Gray or lighter coloration prevails in winter. A more reddish darker coat appears in summer.
Elk migrate into areas of higher altitude in spring following retreating snows. They move opposite direction in fall. During winter they favor wooded areas for greater food availability. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem elk herds comprise as many as 40,000 individuals. Teton herd consists of between 9,000 and 13,000 elk. These animals spend winters on National Elk Refuge after migrating south from southern portions of Yellowstone National Park. They also migrate west from Shoshone and Bridger-Teton National Forests. Some herds travel as much as 50 kilometers between summer and winter ranges. Hunting pressure impacts migration and movement. Elk consume an average of 4 kilograms of vegetation daily. Native grasses serve as year-round supplements. Tree bark including cedar and wintergreen gets consumed in winter. Sedges forbs and tree sprouts appear during summer. Favorites include dandelions aster hawkweed violets clover and occasional mushrooms. Research found supplemental feeding of concentrated alfalfa pellets leads to significant alterations in the elks' microbiome. This transition can cause changes affecting ability to digest natural diet or lead to health imbalances. Range managers conduct surveys of pellet groups to monitor populations.
At least 53 species of protist and animal parasites have been identified in elk. Most seldom lead to significant mortality among wild or captive elk. Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is a parasitic nematode known to affect spinal cord and brain tissue leading to death. The definitive host is white-tailed deer where it normally has no ill effects. Snails and slugs are intermediate hosts inadvertently consumed by elk during grazing. Chronic wasting disease transmitted by misfolded protein known as prion affects brain tissue. It was first documented in late 1960s in mule deer. Disease has affected elk on game farms and in wild regions. Infected animals show weight loss behavioral changes increased watering needs excessive salivation difficulty swallowing. Advanced stages lead to death. No risks to humans have been documented. In 2002 South Korea banned importation of elk antler velvet due to concerns about chronic wasting disease. Brucellosis occasionally affects elk in Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Elk inadvertently transmitted brucellosis to horses in Wyoming and cattle in Idaho. Researchers attempt eradication through vaccinations though successful vaccine remains undeveloped since 2002. Elk hoof disease first noticed in Washington state in late 1990s leads to severe lameness.
Elk range from central Asia through Siberia and east Asia and North America. They inhabit open deciduous woodlands boreal forests upland moors mountainous areas and grasslands. International Union for Conservation Nature lists species as least-concern. As of 2014 population figures for all North American subspecies were around one million. Prior to European colonization there were estimated 10 million on continent. Elk reintroduced in Michigan in 1918 after going extinct there in 1875. Rocky Mountain elk reintroduced into Appalachian region where now extinct eastern elk once lived. Pennsylvania reintroduction began in 1913 with stable population of approximately 1,400 individuals. Since late 1990s they recolonized Wisconsin Kentucky North Carolina Tennessee Georgia Virginia and West Virginia. Kentucky population increased to over 15,000 animals by 2022. A male elk sighted in South Carolina in 2016 was first time in nearly 300 years. Deer introduced to Argentina in early 20th century are now invasive species. They compete for food with indigenous Chilean huemul. IUCN identifies elk as one of world's 100 worst invaders. Introduction to New Zealand began mid-19th century. Only 15 percent of current populations are elk. In 1905 18 American wapiti released in George Sound Fiordland National Park. Significant hybridization occurred resulting in adverse impact on forest regeneration.
Neolithic petroglyphs from Asia depict antler-less female elk symbolizing life and sustenance. Petroglyphs carved into cliffs by Ancestral Puebloans hundreds of years ago show importance. Male elk admired for ability to attract mates among Lakota people. Men play courting flute imitating bugling elk to attract women. Elk antlers used as love charms. Rocky Mountain elk is official state animal of Utah. Image appears on Michigan state seal and flag. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks chose namesake because attributes seemed appropriate. Jewel-encrusted gold-mounted elk teeth prized possessions. Hunting wild elk primary economic impact though not generally harvested large scale. Meat higher protein lower fat cholesterol than beef pork chicken. Good source iron phosphorus zinc. Male produces 2 kilograms of antler velvet annually. Collected sold to markets East Asia where used medicine. Some cultures consider antler velvet aphrodisiac. Consuming North American velvet may be risky since infected animals contain prions. Since 1967 Boy Scouts assist employees at National Elk Refuge collecting shed antlers. In 2010 4,500 kilograms auctioned bringing over $46,000. Native Americans use hides for tepee covering clothing footwear.
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Common questions
When was the elk species extirpated from the British Isles?
The elk species Alces alces had long been extirpated from the British Isles by the 17th century. This historical event caused the meaning of the word elk to become vague among English speakers.
What is the scientific name for the North American elk and when were DNA studies conducted on it?
Mitochondrial DNA studies conducted in 2004 indicate that the North American elk should be a distinct species named Cervus canadensis. These studies show this species is more closely related to Thorold's deer and sika deer than to the red deer.
How much do male Roosevelt elk weigh compared to other bull elk?
Male Roosevelt elk can weigh up to 700 kilograms which makes them the largest subspecies found west of the Cascade Range. Typical bull elk weight ranges between 300 kilograms and 450 kilograms while female elk weigh 200 kilograms to 300 kilograms.
Why did South Korea ban the importation of elk antler velvet in 2002?
South Korea banned the importation of elk antler velvet in 2002 due to concerns about chronic wasting disease. This disease affects brain tissue and was first documented in mule deer during the late 1960s.
When was the elk reintroduced into Michigan after going extinct there?
Elk were reintroduced in Michigan in 1918 after they had gone extinct there in 1875. The population has since expanded with significant numbers appearing in states like Kentucky by 2022.