The elk (pl.: elk or elks; Cervus canadensis) or wapiti is the second largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America and Central and East Asia.
Wapiti or American elk (Cervus canadensis) are the second largest (after the moose) deer in North America. The name wapiti is Shawnee for "white rump."
Commençons tout d’abord par les similitudes qui existent entre le cerf, l’orignal, le caribou et le wapiti. Premièrement, ces quatre grands cervidés sont tous des animaux qui peuplent les forêts canadiennes. Tous sont désignés comme des mammifères ongulés ruminants puisqu’ils possèdent des sabots.
The North American elk or wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis), observed by European explorers in the 1500’s were likely named after the European elk (Alces alces)—commonly called moose in North America—due to a resemblance in size.
The Wapiti, also known as elk in some regions, is one of the largest species within the deer family (Cervidae). With a distinctive presence and fascinating habits, these mammals have intrigued naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts for centuries.
Wapitis are the second largest members of the deer family, after moose. They range in colour from grey to tawny, to reddish brown, with their head and neck slightly darker in colour. They have white rump patches around their tail. Antlers can grow up to and beyond four feet (1.2 m) in length.
Le wapiti, appelé aussi « élan d’Amérique », est le plus gros des cerfs nobles Cervus elaphus. L’aspect général du wapiti montre bien qu’il est de toute évidence parent d’une espèce très connue, le cerf de Virginie.
The Wapiti is a grazer which will dig through light snow with its hooves to find grasses in winter, although the winter diet is primarily based upon browse such as willow, aspen, gooseberry and poplar.
Le wapiti (Cervus canadensis) est une espèce de mammifères herbivores de la famille des cervidés. Il fait partie des plus grands cervidés du monde avec le sambar mais après l' élan ou orignal.