The wapiti is a North American deer that is often called the American elk. It is the second largest deer after the moose. Where wapiti liveAt one time the wapiti was found in large numbers over most of North America. They are now limited to the western states and southern Canada. They like open woodlands and mountain meadows rather than dense forests. In the winter they stay in large groups, but in the summer they break up into smaller ones. Physical featuresThe average weight of the wapiti is about 650 pounds (295 kilograms). However, they are known to weigh up to 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms). The male wapiti may stand taller than 5 feet (1.5 meter) at the shoulder. The female is shorter and lighter. The coat of the wapiti is light to dark brown with a pale patch on the rump. The shoulders and neck are covered with long, shaggy, dark brown hair. The male has large antlers, which usually tower almost 4 feet (1.2 meters) above his head. BehaviorWapiti eat a variety of grasses and plants. They generally look for food in the early morning and in late evening. They tend to be inactive at other times of the day. In March the bulls lose their antlers, but they can still ward off attackers with their sharp front hooves. In early summer each cow gives birth to one or two white-spotted calves. |