Size and Build:
* Large: Adult male elk can weigh up to 1,100 pounds, while females are smaller, weighing around 700 pounds.
* Tall: Elks stand about 5 feet tall at the shoulder.
* Slender: Despite their size, they have a slender, graceful build.
Head and Face:
* Long snout: They have long, pointed snouts with a prominent, fleshy nose.
* Large ears: Their ears are large and broad, helping them detect sounds.
* Eyes: Elks have dark, expressive eyes.
* Antlers: Male elks have massive, branched antlers that are shed and regrown annually. These antlers can reach up to 5 feet wide and weigh up to 40 pounds.
Body:
* Coat: Their coat is typically reddish-brown in the summer, turning to a darker brown or grayish-brown in the winter.
* Mane: Male elks have a distinctive mane of long hair around their necks.
* Long legs: Elks have long, powerful legs, enabling them to run swiftly.
* Tail: They have a short, bushy tail that is typically held low.
Other Notable Features:
* Hooves: Elk hooves are large and have a unique "clicking" sound when they walk.
* Voice: Elks are known for their loud bugling calls, especially during the mating season.
Difference between Male and Female:
* Antlers: Only male elk have antlers.
* Size: Males are generally larger than females.
* Mane: Males have a more prominent mane.
Overall: Elks are striking animals with their impressive size, distinctive antlers (on males), and unique calls.