Most males are 10 percent larger than females and weigh twice as much. 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. This is also known as chewing cud. 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. Their hooves are soft. Just after birth, a cow and her calves will live alone for several weeks.