Meet Our Animals > North American Elk

Quick Facts

Native to United States and Canadian Rockies and Pacific Northwest

Primary Diet Grasses, shrubs, tree leaves, wild flowers, twigs, bark, needles, and tree lichens

Adult Weight Males: 575 to 1100 pounds; Females 400 – 650 pounds

Lifespan 9 to 11 years

Status Stable

North American Elk

Elk are the most vocal deer in North America. The calves bleat, the females squeal or utter sharp barks, and the males bugle when in rut (mating season). Bugling is used to attract mates and advertise territories during the fall rutting season and can be heard for long distances.