The Elk , or Wapiti, is a ruminant mammal native to the northern part of the western hemisphere from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
Elk have distinct summer and winter coats, which they shed in late summer and spring, respectively.
While the female is usually somewhat lighter, both sexes have heavy dark manes. In summer, the coat becomes a deep reddish brown. There is little to no undercoat, giving the animals a sleek, muscular appearance. Elk graze on grasses, twigs, and leaves. An adult male is 4.9 ft tall at the shoulder on average.