The larger, more aggressive bulls try to gather harems of cows, which they defend against competing bulls (Fig. During the mating season (rut) in early fall, adult and subadult bulls find and temporarily join cow herds.Cow–calf herds are usually led by older, experienced cows and may include adolescent bulls.
During spring, summer, and winter, elk tend to split into cow–calf herds and bull herds.
Geographic rangeĮlk are found throughout Washington, with two sepate subspecies primarily occupying opposite sides of the cascade range. With thick bodies, short tails, and long legs, adult elk stand 4.5 to 5 feet high at the shoulder. New antler growth begins soon after shedding.Īdult elk weigh 600 to 800 pounds, and adult cows typically weigh 400 to 500 pounds. Elk shed their antlers beginning in late February for the largest males, extending to late April and even early May for younger ones. In late summer the velvet dries and falls off to reveal the bonelike structure of the fully-grown antlers.
Roosevelt elk skin#
Like other members of the deer family, the antlers of bull elk grow during spring and summer beneath a hairy skin covering known as velvet. In winter, a dark brown, shaggy mane hangs from the neck to the chest. Elk range in color from light brown in winter to reddish tan in summer, and have characteristic buff-colored rumps.