Arizona is not especially known for its megafauna - very large animals that populate a given habitat. Not since the extinction of large ground sloths in the late Pleistocene and the near extinction of bison across the continent in the 19th century have such big mammals roamed the state. That is until 1913 when several score of elk were located to the state's White Mountains from Yellowstone. Since then, the population of this massive deer has mushroomed to over 30,000, even with a yearly hunting season.
The first time you see a male elk you might mistake him for a reindeer. While the first time I got close to a female I thought she resembled a moose. Of course others consider them big varieties of the common mule deer that roams the areas. In any case most studies consider all of them cousins in a large family of even-towed ungulates known as the cervidae.
The elk species has extended its range across the pine forests and meadows of the state's higher elevations, even populating the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It's easy to spot one as it enjoys grazing in open areas during daylight near highways and homes and venturing into camp sites. On a recent overnight stay at the park, the piercing bugle-like call of a male resonated throughout my tent. The nearby herd should not have been too alarmed, as one of their biggest threats, the wolf, was locally exterminated decades ago in its own desperate story of survival in humankind's world.
The first time you see a male elk you might mistake him for a reindeer. While the first time I got close to a female I thought she resembled a moose. Of course others consider them big varieties of the common mule deer that roams the areas. In any case most studies consider all of them cousins in a large family of even-towed ungulates known as the cervidae.
The elk species has extended its range across the pine forests and meadows of the state's higher elevations, even populating the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It's easy to spot one as it enjoys grazing in open areas during daylight near highways and homes and venturing into camp sites. On a recent overnight stay at the park, the piercing bugle-like call of a male resonated throughout my tent. The nearby herd should not have been too alarmed, as one of their biggest threats, the wolf, was locally exterminated decades ago in its own desperate story of survival in humankind's world.
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| Female elk in camp. |
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| Female elk in camp. |
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| Female elk investigating our campsite's water supply. |
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| Male elk investigating a female. |
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| Male elk with female. |
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| Male elk with female. |
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| Male elk with female. |
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| Male elk. |
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