Hey Lykkers! Have you ever wondered about the largest deer in the world? If you're curious to find out, keep reading this article for the answer!

Wow, during our Montana vacation this summer, we visited the National Bison Wildlife Refuge and saw more than just bison. One of the coolest sightings was the elk. They were so impressive, especially their size! Some bull elk can weigh over 1,000 lbs and stretch over 8 feet from nose to tail. That's seriously huge!

Wapiti??? What’s That?

Did you know that elk are also called "Wapiti"? Native Americans gave them this name, which means "light-colored deer." It's a cool bit of history we picked up during our trip!

An Interesting Fact About Elk:

On one of our first stops in the park, we came across a pile of elk antlers. Did you know that elk shed their antlers every year and grow new ones? These are some that have been found in the park over the years. Despite many people being over 6 feet tall, these antlers tower over them. A single pair of antlers can weigh up to 40 lbs. That's quite a formidable weapon! Male elk use these antlers to compete for mating rights, and these battles can be intense, sometimes even fatal.

It's interesting to know that male elk don't live year-round with females and young. They gather in groups with other bulls until the mating season arrives in the fall.

Friends Until the Rut:

Bull elk generally get along well until the rutting season. During this time, their antlers are covered in velvet, a soft, fuzzy coating on newly grown horns. As the velvet hardens, they rub it off on tree limbs and their behavior shifts from calm and social to aggressive and competitive. This is when males compete for the opportunity to mate with a group of females.

Flower Power:

In addition to grass, elk have a liking for wildflowers. Some of their favorites include dandelions, violets, clover, and asters. They even have a taste for mushrooms, showing off their gourmet preferences!

Here are some other interesting facts about elk:

• Elk generally live from 8 to 12 years, although some have been known to live up to 20 years.

• A baby elk can stand up within 20 minutes of birth.

• Bull elk have two canine teeth known as "ivories."

• There are several species of elk found in the US and Canada.

• Elk are known for their diverse vocalizations. During the rut, males are famous for their bugling calls. They also use various whistles, grunts, and squeals, each with different meanings within the herd. Baby elks will vocalize to alert their mothers if they sense danger—they're quite protective, so it's best not to threaten a baby elk!

Hey Lykkers! After reading about elk, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Share them in the comments below! Stay tuned for more interesting facts next time. See you soon!