Elk

Elk are one of the largest types of deer in the world. They have brown fur and a patch of lighter fur on their back end. Male elk grow big antlers that can weigh up to 40 pounds. Elk live in forests, mountains, and grasslands in North America and Asia.

Bugling Calls

Male elk make a very loud sound called a bugle. This call starts low and goes high, then turns into a grunt. They bugle to tell other males to stay away and to call out to females. You can hear an elk's bugle from very far away. It is one of the most amazing sounds in nature.

Herds and Babies

Elk live in groups called herds. Mother elk take care of their babies, called calves. Calves have spots on their fur that help them hide in the grass. The spots go away as they grow up. Elk eat grass, plants, bark, and leaves.

Fun Facts

• Elk can weigh up to 1,100 pounds.
• A male elk's antlers can grow about an inch a day in the spring.
• Elk are also called wapiti, which means 'white rump' in a Native American language.

Did You Know?

Elk can run up to 40 miles per hour, even through deep snow.