* Season: Herd sizes are usually larger in the winter when elk congregate for protection and food.
* Location: Elk populations differ in various areas, with some areas having more elk than others.
* Habitat: The availability of food and water influences how many elk can be supported in a given area.
* Predation: Areas with higher predator pressure might have smaller herds as elk try to avoid becoming prey.
Generally, elk herds can range from a few individuals to hundreds of animals.
It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual number of elk in a herd can fluctuate significantly.