Roosevelt Elk at Redwood National Park: Big, Bold, and Bugling

Roosevelt Elks are the second most extensive member of the deer family, the Moose being the most robust. Actually, Roosevelts are the most substantial of the six recognized subspecies of deer, two of which are extinct: the Merriam and the Eastern Elk.

The adult bulls, which are male elk, can weigh from 740-1,100 pounds, while cows, female elk, weigh 380-640 pounds!

These elk in general are shaggy with dark brown fur and a cream colored rear. Standing five feet at the shoulder, adults are 6-10 feet in length.

Since these animals are quite massive, they are hazardous and the recommended distance away from them is 25 feet, but to stay truly safe you should be farther away in spring and fall. This is because in the spring the young are being born.

The arrival of fall distinctively rolls in the elk rutting (breeding) season. Frequently during this time bull elk will compete for females (cows) by using their antlers.They fight. They bugle. They defeat.

They will make these loud wailing bugles that can be heard from dawn to dusk. Stay safe, park explorers! Taking these precautions you can spot the Roosevelt Elk in the Redwoods in Orick (near the park’s southern end), Elk Meadow (3 miles north of Orick), Elk Prairie/Prairie Creek visitor center, and at Crescent City Area.

In closing, the Roosevelt Elk is a massive deer, weighing hundreds of pounds and is definitely worth spotting!