Name
- Common name: Elk
- Scientific name: Cervus canadensis
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Cervidae
- Indigenous names for this species may be available through the Yukon Native Language Centre.
Also known as
Wapiti
Viewing opportunities
- Elk have generally remained in the triangular area between Whitehorse, Carmacks and Haines Junction. They are commonly seen along the Alaska and Klondike highways, west and north of Whitehorse.
- Visit the Stoney Creek area on the Alaska Highway or the Fox Lake Fire rest area on the Klondike highway on a mid-September evening and listen for the distinctive bugle of a bull Elk.
Description
- A large deer with a light brown coat.
- Head, neck and legs are darker brown than rest of body with a prominent cream coloured rump.
- Small hump between shoulder blades.
- Antlers are a long singular branch sweeping back, with tines coming at regular intervals.
Fast Facts
- Height: 1.3 metres
- Weight: Males are 353 kg and females are 245 kg
- Lifespan: 12 to 24 years. Cows tend to live longer than bulls
- Predators: Wolves, bears, humans
- Habitat: Diverse, forest, aspen parklands and grasslands
Yukon population estimate
300
Behaviour
Elk move up onto south facing slopes in the spring following the retreating snows to feed on emerging green vegetation. As the snow accumulates in autumn they move into the forested areas where they are protected from the wind and snow. Outside the rut period, females and young adults remain in herds while males disperse into small groups.
Diet
Diverse sedges and grasses, leaves and shrubby browse.
Conservation status
- Yukon: SU (Unrankable)
- Global: G5 (Secure)
Distribution
Sights and sounds
Males make a high pitched bugling call during the rut. Females respond with squeaks and whistles.
Elk track, hind: 10.6 x 7.3 cm
Antler rub.
Oval pellets about 1-1.5 cm in diameter.Elk and people
- In 1951, 19 Elk were transferred from Elk Island National Park to Braeburn Lake and in 1954 another 30 were released. This was done to provide Elk for new hunting opportunities to reduce pressure on other big game.
- The Government of Yukon released another 119 animals near Braeburn Lake, Hutshi Lakes and the Takhini River valley between 1989 and 1994 to supplement persisting but stagnant Elk populations.
Management plan
Download the Management Plan for Elk in Yukon.