Scientists currently recognize six subspecies of North American elk. Apparently, Missouri was home to what is designated as the eastern subspecies, which is thought to be extinct. However, the elk subspecies designation is questionable because some experts disagree on how elk species should be divided into subspecies. For example, some believe that the Rocky Mountain and eastern elk subspecies should be grouped into a single subspecies. As a result, the feasibility of elk reintroduction into Missouri should not be affected by the subspecies designation.
Elk are much larger than white-tailed deer.
A mature cow elk may weigh 500 pounds, and a mature bull elk may be 700 pounds. Like white-tailed deer, elk are adaptable and can live in a wide variety of habitats. For example, prior to early settlement, Missouri elk could be found in the northern prairies, as well as the extensive bottomland forests of the bootheel. The elk is more of a grazer, or grass eater, than the whitetail but also will browse on woody vegetation and eat seeds such as acorns. Most problems with deer occur in agricultural areas, especially in northern Missouri, and around larger cities.