The Rocky Mountain Elk, Roosevelt Elk, Tule Elk and Manitoban Elk are the 4 subspecies of elk known today in North America and 2 other species are extinct. Elk are also referred to as Wapiti and they are one of the biggest species of deer in the world. These animals being Native to Eastern Asia and North America have meat that contains more protein than beef or chicken and has less fat and cholesterol than beef, pork and chicken.
Rocky Mountain Elk are well known to everyone here in Colorado from the hunters that chase them across its rugged terrain to the wildlife viewing enthusiasts that can always catch them in Estes Park. Male elk are called bulls, females are called cows, a baby is called a calf and yearling bulls are called spikes. They are brown or tan in color with a lighter tan or yellowish rump, have a dark brown mane and elk are also more than twice the size of Mule Deer. Bull elk grow antlers and will shed them each year sometime throughout the winter after mating season. During the fall elk will grow a thick coat of hair to keep them well insulated in the winter months that follow. Bulls here in Colorado average about 710 pounds at maturity and can weigh as much as 900 pounds, while the cow only averages about 500 pounds. The Roosevelt Elk, which is the largest of the species, can weigh as much as 1100 pounds and are generally located in the Pacific Northwest. Tule Elk can only be found in California and are the smallest of the species weighing as much as 550 pounds. Manitoban Elk are found in the Midwestern US and Canadian Prairie provinces and have smaller antlers and larger bodies when compared to the Rocky Mountain Elk here.
During mating season, also considered the rut, males will call or bugle to convey power to competing bulls and also more directly to the females who are seeking dominance from a male they wish to mate. Besides using the bugle bulls will also wallow in urine and mud to scent themselves up to attract groups of cows and calves together called harems. Antler battling to the death is possible when males are in defense mode for their harem.
On average elk will live for ten to thirteen years but in captivity they have been known to live longer. They are herbivores, with a four chambered stomach, primarily being grazers feeding on grasses, plants, bark and leaves. At night elk are most active as well as during the evening and mornings. During the summer they will eat constantly and can eat as much as twenty pounds each day.
Before the European settlers there has been estimated that there was more than ten million elk that roamed everywhere in the US and parts of Canada. Current estimates for North America are around one million with Colorado having the largest population, with close to 300 thousand elk. Colorado also holds the largest number of harvested elk with around 40-50 thousand each year. Elk are now found in very mountainous and heavily forested areas from the open plains where they once roamed freely. They are extremely adaptive creatures and have lived in many different types of habitats.
Rocky Mountain Elk are well known to everyone here in Colorado from the hunters that chase them across its rugged terrain to the wildlife viewing enthusiasts that can always catch them in Estes Park. Male elk are called bulls, females are called cows, a baby is called a calf and yearling bulls are called spikes. They are brown or tan in color with a lighter tan or yellowish rump, have a dark brown mane and elk are also more than twice the size of Mule Deer. Bull elk grow antlers and will shed them each year sometime throughout the winter after mating season. During the fall elk will grow a thick coat of hair to keep them well insulated in the winter months that follow. Bulls here in Colorado average about 710 pounds at maturity and can weigh as much as 900 pounds, while the cow only averages about 500 pounds. The Roosevelt Elk, which is the largest of the species, can weigh as much as 1100 pounds and are generally located in the Pacific Northwest. Tule Elk can only be found in California and are the smallest of the species weighing as much as 550 pounds. Manitoban Elk are found in the Midwestern US and Canadian Prairie provinces and have smaller antlers and larger bodies when compared to the Rocky Mountain Elk here.
During mating season, also considered the rut, males will call or bugle to convey power to competing bulls and also more directly to the females who are seeking dominance from a male they wish to mate. Besides using the bugle bulls will also wallow in urine and mud to scent themselves up to attract groups of cows and calves together called harems. Antler battling to the death is possible when males are in defense mode for their harem.
On average elk will live for ten to thirteen years but in captivity they have been known to live longer. They are herbivores, with a four chambered stomach, primarily being grazers feeding on grasses, plants, bark and leaves. At night elk are most active as well as during the evening and mornings. During the summer they will eat constantly and can eat as much as twenty pounds each day.
Before the European settlers there has been estimated that there was more than ten million elk that roamed everywhere in the US and parts of Canada. Current estimates for North America are around one million with Colorado having the largest population, with close to 300 thousand elk. Colorado also holds the largest number of harvested elk with around 40-50 thousand each year. Elk are now found in very mountainous and heavily forested areas from the open plains where they once roamed freely. They are extremely adaptive creatures and have lived in many different types of habitats.
About the Author:
We look forward to sharing our experiences hunting, viewing and admiring the Elk in Colorado with you as well as all the Colorado Hunting stories that come with being in the field every year.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Check this link for other related articles:
My Random Articles
Yey Health