3/1/2024 0 Comments Rocky mountain elk rangeSome elk herds use the same migratory route every year. When the mating season is over, elk congregate in single-sex herds and migrate to their winter range. Males will bugle using special incisors and spar for female attention. Often, a large group of females, called a harem, can be found with one male. ![]() In mountainous areas, elk usually spend the spring and summer at higher elevations. Observation TipsĮlk are active at night and most active at dawn and dusk. Rocky Mountain elk are found in the Rocky Mountains, from New Mexico into Canada, with reintroduced scattered populations east of the Rocky Mountains. Rocky Mountain elk are a lighter color, a bit smaller, and have more slender antlers than the Roosevelt elk. Roosevelt elk are found from northern California through Oregon, Washington, and into British Columbia. Manitoba elk are large and found only in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Tule elk are the smallest subspecies, weighing approximately half as much as other elk subspecies, and are found only in California. There are four subspecies of elk in North America: Tule elk, Roosevelt elk, Manitoba elk, and Rocky Mountain elk. While elk are found in North America and Eurasia, this factsheet only covers the North American subspecies. Males shed their antlers in March or April and begin to grow a new set soon after shedding. Males have large, branching antlers that can grow up to 5 ft/1.5 m tall and 6 ft/2 m wide. Most adult elk stand at 4.5-5 ft/1.3-1.5 m tall at the shoulder, with males weighing 600-900 lb/272-408 kg and females weighing 450-600 lb/204-272 kg. ![]() Calves have a light brown coat with white spots. ![]() Elk are light brown, with dark brown shaggy manes (especially in winter) and yellowish, light-colored rumps.
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