Elk bull resting in the shade of someone's garage

Yellowstone day 1, Mammoth Hot Springs

The elk or wapiti (Cervus canadensis) is one of the largest species of the Cervidae or deer family in the world, and one of the largest land mammals in North America and eastern Asia. It was long believed to be a subspecies of the European red deer (Cervus elaphus), but evidence from a study of the mitochondrial DNA indicates that the two are distinct species.

This animal should not be confused with the larger moose (Alces alces), to which the name "elk" applies in the British isles and Eurasia. Apart from the moose, the only other member of the deer family to rival the elk in size is the south Asian sambar (Rusa unicolor). Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.

Sound of Elk bugle

Photo 95, Sept 2007

Gardiner day 1, elk cows on lawn of our hotel (Village Inn)

Photo 136, Sept 2007

Gardiner day 1, elk cows on lawn of our hotel

Part of hotel in background

Photo 137, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 2
Back at Mammoth Spring area

Herd of elk, bull and 20 cows, clustered around the chapel.

Bull is reclining in the grass, cows are eating. Ranger kept pedestrians on opposite side of the street.

Photo 294, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 2

Back at Mammoth Spring area

Herd of elk, bull and 20 cows

Photo 302, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 2

Back at Mammoth Spring area

Herd of elk, bull and 20 cows

Photo 303, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 2

Back at Mammoth Spring area

Herd of elk, bull and 20 cows

Photo 313, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 2

Herd of Elk on Gardiner river, North of Mammoth Hot Springs

Photo 314, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 2

Elk on Gardiner river, North of Mammoth Hot Springs

Photo 317, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 3, near Lake

Bull elk

Photo 458, Sept 2007

Yellowstone day 3, near Lake

Bull elk

Photo 459, Sept 2007

Elk, near Reedsport OR

Located just 3 miles east of Reedsport is the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. While elk are the main attraction of the preserve, many other species of fowl and mammal are often present.

Between 100 and 120 of the majestic Roosevelt Elk roam the preserve in small herds. There are about 30 branch bull that inhabit the area year-round. The best time for viewing is early morning or dusk, when the animals are out feeding. During the heat of the day they tend to nap in the shade (summer) or sun (winter).

Photo 302a, Oregon, Sept 2006