Awesome Animal Encounter - Roosevelt Elk

On our recent trip to Washington state, Trish and I visited the Quinault Rainforest. This is a spectacular temperate rainforest (a rainforest in a temperate region, usually consisting of a mix of coniferous and broadleaf trees). We were lucky enough to come upon a herd of Roosevelt elk.

Roosevelt elk are the largest subspecies of the North American elk (Cervus elaphus). These huge mammals can weigh up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg), making them one of the largest members of the deer family (which includes deer, elk, moose, and caribou).

Male elk grow massive antlers, which are shed after the mating season each year. Keep in mind that antlers fall off each year, whereas horns are permanent. One exception is the North American pronghorn, which grows horns, but the horn sheath falls off and is regrown each year. Anyway, male elk shed and regrow their massive antlers annually. If you look closely, you'll see that the third elk from the left is a male just starting to grow its new antlers.

Roosevelt elk are named after President Theodore (“Teddy”) Roosevelt.