Rut occurs from August into November. Usually 1 calf born, occasionally 2, rarely 3. Young born in secluded areas with good cover. Cows sexually mature at 2 yr. In sedentary herds, female calves usually remain with mothers to form the cow-calf herds to which they belong throughout their lives.
Adult males live separately in bull herds, and join cows only during rut.
Populations require seclusion from human interference, protection from poaching, and management to prevent local overpopulation. Proper management of forest and recreational activities can provide these requirements, and the mixture of habitats essential to health of the 3 subspecies. Humans, mountain lions, and coyotes are the major predators of elk, although a few, mostly young, probably are killed by black bears, bobcats, and feral dogs. Some competition for food and cover may occur between elk and domestic lifestock, wild horses, and deer. Also called wapiti.