Small numbers can still be found in eastern states, notably in Pennsylvania. The Elk is primarily nocturnal, but it is especially active at dusk and dawn. Unlike the White-tailed deer, which can be heard crashing through forest and brush, the much larger Elk moves through the forest rapidly and almost silently. The size of the herd varies greatly, depending on the terrain, cover, and amount of resources. The larger herds form in open grassland areas and smaller groups are found in mountains and forest.
Bulls herd separately, remaining on the edges of a cow-dominated herd, waiting for the rut.
The Elk breed from late August-November, peaking during October and November. In autumn, it is a wonderful experience to hear the bull's loud bugle, announcing the rut, or mating season, when the males will fight for possession of a harem of cows. In mating jousts, the bulls will challenge each other by clashing their antlers together. They are seldom hurt, the weaker one usually giving in, but occasionally there is a major injury or death. Sometimes their antlers lock so badly that the two bulls will die of starvation.