Elk Itsy Bitsies 8cm - Soft Toy

Physical Characteristics
The elk, or wapiti (Cervus canadensis), is one of the largest species of deer in the world. Elk cows average 225 kg, stand 1.3 m at the shoulder, and are 2 m from nose to tail. Bulls are some 25% larger than cows at maturity, weighing an average of 320 kg, standing 1.5 m at the shoulder and averaging 2.5 m in length. Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year, the largest antlers may be 1.2 m long and weigh 18 kg. They have different colouration based on the seasons and types of habitats, with grey or lighter colouration in the winter and a more reddish, darker coat in the summer. They normally live about 10-13 years in the wild.

Habitat
Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat. Although native to North America and eastern Asia, they have adapted well to countries where they have been introduced, including New Zealand and Argentina.

Behaviour
Adult elk usually stay in single-sex groups for most of the year. During the mating period known as the rut, mature bulls compete for the attentions of the cows and will try to defend females in their harem. Rival bulls challenge opponents by bellowing and by paralleling each other, walking back and forth. The bugle call is one of the most distinctive calls in nature.

Breeding
Calves are born spotted, as is common with many deer species, and they lose their spots by the end of summer. The gestation period is 240 to 262 days and the offspring weigh between 15 and 16 kg. When the females are near to giving birth, they tend to isolate themselves from the main herd, and will remain isolated until the calf is large enough to escape predators. After two weeks, calves are able to join the herd and are fully weaned at two months of age.

Diet
Elk feed on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark.

Strange and Interesting Facts
The Rocky Mountain Elk is the official state animal for Utah. An image of an elk and a moose appear on the state flag of Michigan.