Elk Cervus canadensis

Identification
This large deer has a tan body and dark neck. Males grow large branching antlers.

Location
Extirpated

Size
400 to 800 pounds

Diet
It feeds on grasses leaves and bark.

Habitat
It formerly occurred in Ohio forests and meadows.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is social and forms herds with seasonal movements. It was active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in autumn.

Population
The population is absent in Ohio.

History
It was extirpated due to hunting and habitat loss.

Human Interactions
It rarely interacted with humans historically.

Facts
Its bugling call is distinctive during breeding season.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Grasses leaves bark | Forests meadows plains | Formerly in Ohio