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).
The Magnificent Elk
Antlers, crowning elk's heads from May until the following March when they are shed, are important to the life of the stags (males). On a mature male they rise as much as four feet above the head and have a spread of about five feet. They are composed of two sections on which "spikes" grow out, adding beauty and majesty to their appearance.
When their antlers begin to form in early May, they are just short stubs growing on the top of the head. But they grow quickly, and when full size they are covered with an outer velvety skin which soon drops off in chunks. The elk help this shedding process by rubbing their antlers against tree trunks, stumps and rocks. When all the skin is finally removed and the bones polished by the rubbing, the antlers become hard and sharp.
The stag is well aware of his new rack of antlers when he is trying to attract the females (cows), but finds other stags with the same idea challenging him. Soon there is a great deal of fighting going on in a herd. The older, tough stags usually hold their own in pushing and wrestling matches, but sooner or later find themselves defeated by younger ones stronger than themselves. The herd then belongs to the victor.
Antlers are the principal weapons in these contests, although they use their sharp hooves as well. But there is sometimes deep tragedy, as their antlers lock together and they are unable to separate them. Eventually, too weak to stand up, they fall down with their antlers still locked, both of them destined to die for lack of water and food.
After the herd leadership has been established, those of the Rocky Mountain variety realize that winter is over, and it is time to migrate to the mountain meadows, rich in luscious grass. In these travels, stags group separately from the cows and their calves, but join again later. The trips may be relatively short, or as long as 30 or 40 miles. They travel slowly, eating their way to the higher elevations where they spend the summer. In fall they descend to lower meadows again, and in places where winters are severe and where they are officially protected, some of their food is often provided by friendly people.
Like all of God's creatures, elk, always under His watchful care, are not aware of it. But the care is very real, as it is for each of us but in a much greater degree. The care God gives us is blessed with the rich love of His heart which includes His supreme gift, the Lord Jesus Christ as a Savior to all who will put their trust in Him. Have you accepted this precious gift and thanked Him for it? "Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift." 2 Cor. 9:1515Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15).