Elk
Elk Bugling in the River Mist
© Jess Lee Photography
The American elk, or wapiti, Cervus canadensis, is a member of the deer family, Cervidae, order Artiodactyla. It is considered by many authorities to be the same species as the European red deer, C. elaphus. Elk weigh up to 350 kg (770 lb), stand 1.5 m (5 ft) high at the shoulders, and may be 2.4 m (8 ft) long. Males have antlers that may span more than 1.5 m (5 ft). The coat is grayish brown, with a white patch on the rump. Elk have lost much of their habiat and are now found only in southern Canada, parts of Alaska, the Rockies, and in the Central Valley of California, the last being the home of the small tule elk. In Europe, the name elk has long referred solely to the moose. more info
Elk Listings: (add your listing)
Elk Art & Sculptures at Jackson Trading Co.
Handcrafted beauty, yet very affordable. Also unique photography showing these majestic animals in Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks. Ideal birthday & anniversary gifts.
(800) 858-2114
The National Elk Refuge
Jackson, Wyoming
The National Elk Refuge was created in 1912 as a result of public interest in the survival of the elk herd. The refuge provides a winter home for an average of 7,500 elk, one of the largest wintering concentrations of elk. The refuge is the only one in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service devoted primarily to elk management. Today the refuge is comprised of nearly 25,000 acres of land consisting of native grasses and other elk forage.
The Refuge is comprised of meadows and marshes along the valley floor, sagebrush and rock outcroppings along the foothills. A diversity of food and shelter provides for the rich mixture of wildlife species found at the National Elk Refuge. Elk are on the refuge for about six months (November to April) and are supplementally fed for 2-3 months, depending on the severity of the weather. When snow becomes to crusty or deep, refuge managers feed pelletized alfalfa hay to the elk. Winter mortality on the refuge is about 1.5%. Elk spend summers in Grand Teton National Park (50%), the Bridger-Teton National Forest east of the park (25%), or in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park (25%).
Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
December 12 - April 2
National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides will be departing from the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, located at 532 North Cache Street in Jackson. Visitors board a shuttle bus that will take them to the boarding area 2.5 miles north of the Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00-5:00 during the winter, except on Christmas Day. Sleigh rides operate between 10:00-4:00 daily, except on Christmas Day. Phone inquires about the sleigh rides can be directed to the sleigh ride concessionaire, Bar-T-5, Inc. at 1-800-772-5386.
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