Elks range in color from dark brown in winter to tan in summer and have a characteristic buff colored rump. The head, neck, belly and legs are darker than both the back and sides. Elk generally have a long head with large ears and widely branching antlers as long as 1.1-1.5 m from tip to tip. A dark shaggy mane hangs from the neck to the chest. Favorites of the elk include dandelions, aster, hawkweed, violets, clover, and the occasional mushroom.
Elk are ruminant animals and therefore regurgitate their food and remasticate to aid in digestion.
Reproduction Breeding among elks takes place in early September. Males initiate the autumn courtship with a bugling call to attract their mates. Both males and females are sexually active at sixteen months, although young males do not usually mate due to competition from more mature elks. This low annual production is offset by a high investment in protective maternal care. At birth, calves weigh around 15-16 kg and have creamy spots on their back and sides.