They feed on plants, leaves, bark, grasses, grains, and also eat lichen. In winter, they eat buds, bark, and twigs. Despite their large size, bulls can run 35 miles per hour. Both bulls and cows are good swimmers. Elk are active at dusk and dawn and are frequently seen feeding in prairies during the day.
Elk can also be nocturnal.
They inhabit woods and pastures. The rutting season occurs from August until November. During this time, the bulls join the cows in a herd. They are the most polygamous member of the deer family in America. A bull can collect a harem of up to 60 cows.