Yellowstone Park Elk, Pictures

The most abundant of Yellowstone’s large mammals, elk can be seen in just about every section of the park.

Overview
The second largest member of the deer family (moose are the largest), adult elk can range in weight from 500 to 700 lbs. The coat is usually a reddish brown color and is accented by a distinctive rear patch and dark brown mane.

Interesting Facts
The male elk is distinguished by his large, majestic antlers, which are a sign of strength and status. Antlers are shed in March and regrow in the spring, just in time for fall mating season, when males lock horns in competition for eligible females.

Herd populations vary in Yellowstone according to season; as many as 30,000 elk make their home in the park during the summer. During the winter, elk either move out of the park or take up residence in the lower elevations, away from the sub-zero temperatures of Yellowstone’s mountainous terrain.

Scientific evidence exists that demonstrates that these majestic animals have inhabited the Yellowstone region for the past 1,000 years. Early Native Americans called elk "Wapiti" and today both words are used to describe the huge, four-legged animals.

Mating season for elk is in the fall from approximately September until late November. This is when you will hear bull elk "bugling" or calling to other elk. Male or bull elk are very competitive with each other over female elk during the mating season.

Best Places to View Elk
Elk prefer cooler temperatures and will typically "shade up" in the pines during the heat of the day. In the early morning and early evening, you are more likely to see them, as they are most active during those times. At those times, they can be seen feeding in meadows, or in areas that have been devastated by forest fires as both areas have lush vegetation.

Although the males often travel by themselves, calves and cows can be seen in large numbers in the Gardiner and Mammoth areas and Lamar Valley.

Respecting Wildlife
Elk know that they are a protected species within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. Especially, in the Mammoth area you will find elk loafing around the houses, next to the government buildings and in the campgrounds. Crowds of people have little effect on them – except perhaps for entertainment. Elk have been known to chase people for no other apparent reason, than because they just want to!

• Never approach elk in your vehicle.
• Never approach elk on foot.
• Always exit buildings carefully.
• Observe elk from a safe distance of at least 25 yards.
• Obey the directions of park rangers and volunteers.
• It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, within ANY distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.