How large is an adult elk?
Elk, also known as wapiti, are large mammals that are native to North America. Adult elk can vary in size depending on a number of factors, including their sex, age, and the specific subspecies to which they belong. However, on average, adult elk are larger than most other types of deer and are among the largest land mammals in North America.
Male elk, known as bulls, are typically larger than female elk, known as cows. On average, bulls can weigh between 600 and 1200 pounds, while cows typically weigh between 500 and 800 pounds. In terms of height, adult elk can stand between 4 and 5 feet tall at the shoulder.
In terms of length, adult elk can reach up to 8 feet from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail. However, this measurement does not include their antlers, which can add an additional 2 to 3 feet to their overall length. Elk are known for their large, branching antlers, which are used primarily for display during the mating season and for fighting with other males.
Overall, adult elk are large, impressive animals that are an integral part of the North American ecosystem.