If you think elk are just oversized deer, think again. These copper-coated giants, officially known as Cervus canadensis, are divided into several subspecies ranging from the antler-rich Rocky Mountain elk to the beach-body Roosevelt’s elk and the petite Tule elk of California. They’re massive—bulls can weigh up to 900 pounds and sport antlers the size of a small tree—yet surprisingly graceful. Cows, calves, and bachelor bulls live in chill little herds most of the year, but come fall, all bets are off. That’s when the rut kicks in and the drama begins: bulls bugle, fight, wallow in their own urine (yep), and guard their harems like reality TV stars on the final rose ceremony.
Elk are seasonal fashionistas, switching from a rich brown summer coat to a pale tan winter look, and they’re not picky eaters either. From grasses and forbs in the summer to bark and twigs in winter, they graze year-round with the help of their four-chambered stomachs. Even their teeth have history—those little canine ivories are thought to be leftovers from their saber-toothed ancestors. Oh, and if you’re wondering what all the noise is about, elk are among the loudest mammals around. From chirps and mews to their iconic bugle, they’re always talking—or threatening, depending on their mood.
Once upon a time, millions of elk roamed nearly all of North America, but today about a million remain thanks to reintroduction efforts and habitat conservation—big shoutout to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for helping make that possible. You’ll still find elk across the West, in the Great Lakes states, and even sneaking into the Appalachians. Whether they’re roaming alpine meadows, thick forests, or desert valleys, one thing’s clear: elk are wild, loud, weirdly charming, and totally unforgettable.
Here are a couple of clips of bull and cow sounds to get you excited for September. If you want to know more facts about elk, check out the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation here.
