Female elk Patch#

In Oregon, elk occur throughout the state but are most abundant in the Blue and Wallowa mountains and in the northern Coast Range, and least abundant in the southeastern High Desert region. The antlers become polished in July, at which time activity increases as males commence to search for untended females or those tended by less formidable males. Male elk, especially the larger ones, tend to be solitary most of the year however, during May and June when antler growth is rapid, males, including larger ones, sometimes form herds. Leadership of these herds usually is provided by an older female with an offspring, but other females with offspring assume leadership duties at times.

Nevertheless, there is considerable overlap in areas used by adjacent herds and there is considerable exchange of individuals among adjacent herds.

Female elk Patch#

The underparts (except for a whitish patch between the hind legs) and legs are dark brown to almost blackish.Īdult females, their current offspring, and their female offspring of the previous year form herds that tend to remain within relatively small and distinct areas.

The mane is dark brown and the rump patch and tail are cream colored. Pelage color is grayish brown to reddish brown, somewhat lighter among males in winter. These heavy-bodied, deer-like mammals have narrow faces tapering to a naked nose pad relatively small, pointed ears a heavily maned neck a back slightly humped at the shoulders, a contrasting rump patch and a small tail.