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INTRODUCTION | |
| Introduction
Author: Zach Parker 12/13/00 10:49 AM
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Elk are social animals, they gather in groups during the winter and when bulls are gathering a harem in the fall. Cows, yearlings and calves form herds of usually 25 or more elk. Old bulls usually go alone and young bulls form small groups. These gatherings help protect the elk against predators. Mature bulls are usually 25% larger than cows and their average height is five feet and can weigh anywhere from 600 to 1100 pounds, versus 450 to 650 for cows. This size difference is mainly due to hormones that govern growth and development (RMEF 1999). |