The Cervus canadensis, commonly known as the elk or wapiti, is a large deer native to North America1. C. canadensis can be found in nearly every state west of Iowa, with the addition of a few eastern states2. 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 coast3.
Identifiable Features#
The Cervus canadensis has a distinct large body1. 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 coat3. The Cervus canadensis also has a far shorter tail compared to most deer species4.