The Cervus canadensis, commonly known as the elk or wapiti, is a large deer native to North America[1]. C. canadensis can be found in nearly every state west of Iowa, with the addition of a few eastern states[2]. At one point C. canadensis covered all of the United States, but a large amount of hunting in the 1880s resulted in the species becoming extent in the east coast[3].
Identifiable Features
The Cervus canadensis has a distinct large body[1]. During the winter C. candensis have a dark brown heads, necks, bellies, and legs and a lighter gray brown back. Whereas in summer C. candensis have more red appearing in their coat[3]. The Cervus canadensis also has a far shorter tail compared to most deer species[4].
Cervus elaphus by Robin J. Innes via Fire Effects Information System ↩ ↩2
Cervus elaphus via NatureServe Explorer ↩
Elk (Cervus canadensis) via National Park Service ↩ ↩2
Cervus canadensis via TTU Natural Science Research Laboratory ↩