Elk Fun for Kids

Elk are big animals with tall legs, long antlers, and brown fur. They are part of the deer family and are known for their loud bugling sounds. Elk live in forests and mountains and like to be with other elk in groups called herds. These gentle giants are fun to learn about and even more fun to watch in the wild!

Watch an Elk in Action!

See a real elk walking, running, and making sounds! Elk are very strong and move gracefully through forests and meadows.

What is an Elk?

Elk are large animals that belong to the deer family. They are known for their big antlers and loud calls. Male elk grow large antlers that they shed and regrow each year.

• Elk are mammals
• Male elk are called bulls and females are called cows
• Baby elk are called calves
• Elk have four long legs for running and walking
• They have big ears and can hear very well

Where do Elks live?

Elk live in forests, mountains, and grasslands. They like cool places and need lots of space to roam around and find food.

• Elk live in North America and parts of Asia
• They are found in the United States, Canada, and China
• Elk like forests, grassy fields, and mountains
• They live in herds with many other elk

What do Elks eat?

Elk are herbivores, which means they eat plants. They use their strong teeth to munch on grasses and leaves.

• Elk eat grass, leaves, bark, and twigs
• They like eating flowers and shrubs too
• In winter, they dig through snow to find food

How big is an Elk?

Elk are very big! They are one of the largest animals in the deer family.

• Male elk can weigh as much as a small car—up to 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms)
• They can grow to be 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall at the shoulder
• Elk are about as tall as a grown-up standing next to you
• Their antlers can grow as wide as a doorway

What sound do Elks make?

Elk make a loud sound called a bugle. It sounds like a mix between a whistle and a roar. Male elk bugle to talk to other elk and to show they are strong.

Cool Elk facts

Here are some fun and interesting facts about elk that kids love to learn!

• Elk antlers can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long
• Elk lose their antlers every year and grow new ones
• Elk can run up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour)
• Elk have excellent hearing and smell
• They can swim across rivers and lakes
• Elk herds can have up to 400 animals
• They have two layers of fur to stay warm in winter
• Elk are also called “wapiti,” which means “white rump”

Printables and coloring fun

Get creative and have fun with these elk printables and coloring games!

• Download Elk Coloring Page (PDF)

Elks in the eco-system

Elk help forests grow by eating plants and spreading seeds. They are also food for big animals like wolves and bears.

• Elk help new plants grow by moving seeds around
• They are prey for wolves, bears, and mountain lions
• Elk populations are strong in North America
• Some types of elk in Asia are endangered

Ask a grown-up to help you learn more

Want to discover even more elk facts? Ask a grown-up to visit these safe websites with you.

• National Geographic – Elk Facts
• Elk | Description, Habitat, Reproduction, & Facts
• Elk – Yellowstone National Park

Fun questions about Elks

Ways to donate and support Elks

People can help protect elk by learning about them, protecting their homes, and supporting organizations that care for wild animals.

Protecting Elk, Deer, & Pronghorn