The Wonders of God’s Creation
In Europe the animal called an elk is really similar to the American moose, whereas the elk of America differs in some ways. Because of this difference, those in America are technically known as wapiti, but are most commonly referred to as elk.
Related closely to the deer family, the American species is second only to the moose in size. A big male may stand as high as five-feet tall at the slight hump behind his shoulders and weigh up to 1000 pounds — though some are considerably lighter.
There are two principal varieties of native elk. Almost all of them live in national parks or protected reservations. One is the Rocky Mountain elk, making its home in those high mountains, mainly at Yellowstone Park and close-by Jackson Hole in Wyoming. The other, living at lower levels and staying year-round in grassy meadows, is the Tule elk. Many of these are found in California, Idaho, Washington and Alaska. One difference between them is their feet — the Rocky Mountain variety has feet almost as wide as they are long, while the Tule’s feet are nearly twice as long as they are wide. This difference is a provision of the Creator, giving the Rocky Mountain elk feet that help them in the deep snows, while the long and narrow feet of the others are more suited to the meadows and adjacent dry hills in which they live.
Considering their size, all elk have small heads with mule-like ears, but their antlers may spread more than five feet and have a total of about twelve points. They have a cow-like body and walk much like a camel. Their legs are slender, but strong. Coarse hair forms a shaggy mane, and they are covered with mostly reddish-brown fur. Their tan tail is just a stub, surrounded by a large yellowish patch of fur that helps identify them. In winter months a temporary warm undercoat and heavy outercoat change to grayish-brown, until they return to lighter fur in spring.
Elk are majestic animals, holding their heads high (except when grazing) with eyes and ears alert. All their grazing is done in the daytime with one or two of each herd maintaining a lookout while the others eat. If danger threatens they scatter in every direction.
Their manner of life in harsh surroundings impresses upon us how wisely the Lord God, their Creator, has provided instincts for all living things and that, as the Bible verse states, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth... and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist [are preserved].” Col. 1:16,1716For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16‑17).
(to be continued)
ML-09/11/1988