As one of the largest subspecies within the deer species, elk are immediately identifiable by their stature. The average life span of an elk in the wild is 8-12 years.
Elk are also called wapiti, which is a Native American word meaning "light-colored deer." A male elk is called a bull. An elk bull will shed its antlers every March and regrow the antlers in May.
In early summer, elk migrate to high grazing grounds where the females give birth. During late summer, or breeding season, elk can be heard bugling in loud roars that echo across and around the mountains.
