Elk

Cervus canadensis (species), “American Wapiti”, “Wapiti”, “North American Elk”, “Alashan Wapiti”, “Izubra/Manchurian Wapiti”, “McNeill’s Deer”, “Merriam’s Wapiti”, “Shou”, “Siberian Wapiti”, “Tien Shan Wapiti”, “Tule Elk”, “Asian Wapiti”

On the Web

On Wikipedia

The elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in North America, as well as Central and East Asia. It is often confused with the larger Alces alces, which is called moose in North America, but called elk in British English, and related names in other European languages (German Elch, Swedish älg, French élan). The name "wapiti" is used in Europe for Cervus canadensis. It originates from the Shawnee and Cree word waapiti, meaning 'white rump'. Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. Male elk have large antlers which they shed each year. Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing,…