Elk

The Elk, or Moose, is a keystone species shaping forests and wetlands across northern Europe, Asia and America.

Full Name: Elk in Europe; Moose in America

Latin Name: Alces alces

Classification: Mammal

Adult Weight: Males from 400 to 700kg, females generally lighter from 200 to 500kg.

Adult Length: 2.4 to 3 metres from nose to tail, and they typically stand from 1.4 to 2 metres tall at the shoulder!

Lifespan: 15 to 20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity.

Preferred Habitat: A mix of forests and open spaces, such as woodlands, marshes, and meadows.

Status: Extinct in Britain since about 3,000 years ago; Least Concern with populations across Europe and North America.

Older elk tend to have larger, more complex antlers compared to younger ones. © Bernd Hildebrandt

Elk

The elk, known as the moose in North America, is one of Europe’s largest land mammals. This naming difference can be confusing because, in North America, the term "elk" refers to a different species entirely, more closely related to the red deer, also known as the wapiti. Despite the name confusion, the European elk (or moose) is the same species found across northern Europe and Asia, easily recognised by its broad antlers and sturdy build.

The elk in question is easily recognised by its broad antlers and sturdy build. These animals are often found in forests and marshlands, where they help maintain healthy ecosystems by selectively browsing on plants.

Why are Elk Important to Rewilding?

Elk play a crucial role in rewilding efforts, shaping landscapes and promoting biodiversity through their browsing habits. As large herbivores, they manage vegetation by feeding on trees like willow, birch, and aspen, particularly in wetlands. This browsing prevents certain tree species from dominating, fostering a more diverse plant community and creating habitats for other wildlife.

Their relationship with beavers is particularly noteworthy. By keeping tree growth in check, elk help promote the growth of shrubs and younger trees, which beavers use to build dams and lodges. These beaver structures then create and sustain wetlands, further enriching the ecosystem and supporting a wide variety of species.

The European elk, known as moose in North America, has a distinct, broad nose. © Janet Meyer

Past Elk Rewilding Efforts

In Sweden, elk have been reintroduced to areas where they had been previously hunted to extinction, helping to restore natural browsing patterns and support biodiversity. In Poland, elk populations have been carefully managed to expand their range, benefiting both forested and wetland areas. The Czech Republic has also seen successful reintroduction projects, where elk are now playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling vegetation growth and creating habitats for other species.

Elk are the largest members of the deer family in Europe. © Andrea Bohl

Current & Future Elk Rewilding Projects

Current and future rewilding efforts involving elk are gaining momentum, particularly across Europe. In countries like Scotland and Estonia, there are active discussions and pilot projects aimed at reintroducing elk to areas where they’ve been extinct for centuries. These efforts are driven by the need to restore natural ecosystems, with elk helping to control vegetation, encourage diverse plant growth, and create habitats for other wildlife.

Looking ahead, rewilding projects are also exploring elk as a key species in landscape-scale restoration initiatives. Future plans may include expanding reintroduction efforts to more regions across the UK and continental Europe, helping to re-establish healthy, self-sustaining ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and humans.

Elk rub their antlers against trees and shrubs to help remove the velvet. © wal_172619, Pixabay

Elk can weigh between 200 and 700 kilograms, with males being larger. © Diane Klettke

Physical Description

Male elk typically sport impressive antlers that can span up to two metres across. Their thick, brown coat helps them blend into forested environments, with lighter shades on the legs and underbelly. Standing at up to 2 metres tall at the shoulder, elk have long, slender legs, a broad chest, and a short tail. Their strong, muscular build allows them to navigate through dense forests and across open landscapes with ease. The fold of skin under their chin is called a dewlap or bell!

European elk usually have antlers that are wider and flatter, with fewer but thicker branches. In contrast, American elk (though the same species) tend to have larger antlers with more branches that are longer and pointier.

The elk's distinctive nose (known a proboscis, like a butterfly's!) is unique among deer, with large nostrils that can seal shut while browsing aquatic vegetation. This adaptation likely evolved to aid in feeding underwater and contributes to their exceptional sense of smell. This keen olfactory ability helps elk detect water sources, locate food beneath snow, and sense the presence of mates or predators.

Elk are known for their distinctive bugling calls, especially during the rutting season. © PublicDomainImages, Pixabay

Elk Behaviour

Elk are social animals that typically live in herds, with group size varying by season. In summer, females and their calves often form large herds, while males may be more solitary or form small bachelor groups. During the autumn rutting season, males become more aggressive as they compete for mates, displaying behaviours like antler wrestling and vocalising through deep, resonant calls known as bugling.

Elk are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. They are also known for their seasonal migrations, travelling significant distances between summer and winter ranges to find food and suitable habitat. In winter, they often move to lower elevations or areas with less snow to conserve energy.

Their keen senses of smell, hearing, and sight help them detect predators and navigate their environment, making them highly adaptable to different landscapes.

What Threats do Elk Face?

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the most significant threats to elk populations, as human development encroaches on their natural environments, reducing the available space for feeding and migration. Additionally, climate change is altering their habitats, affecting food availability and increasing the risk of extreme weather conditions.

Elk are also threatened by hunting, both legal and illegal. In some regions, they are hunted for their meat, antlers, and hides, which can lead to population declines if not carefully managed.

The Siberian tiger is the Eurasian elk's main natural predator, which will regularly prey on adult elk. Grey wolves are known to attack elk, especially females with calves. Brown bears are also known to eat elk, though they are much more likely to scavenge a wolf kill or to take young moose than to hunt adult moose on their own.

Elk have a unique relationship with beavers, both shaping wetland environments. © Kate Baucherel

What do Elk Eat?

Elk are herbivorous browsers, carefully selecting nutrient-rich leaves, twigs, and bark from trees like willow, birch, and aspen, especially in wetland areas. Their specialised digestive system is adapted to process this lower-fibre, high-nutrient diet. Throughout the warmer seasons, elk seek out these foods in forested areas and wetlands, with their diet shifting in autumn and winter to include more woody plants, buds, and bark. This selective feeding behaviour plays a vital role in managing vegetation and supporting biodiversity. Elk also consume aquatic plants when available, further enriching their diet and contributing to the health of wetland ecosystems.

A mature male elk’s antlers can span up to two metres across. © PublicDomainImages, Pixabay

Cultural Significance

In Scandinavian folklore, elk are sometimes seen as mysterious and noble creatures, embodying the wild, untamed forests of the north. Their impressive antlers have been used in art, tools, and even as symbols of status and power throughout history.

In North America, the Lakota and other Plains tribes consider elk to be symbols of bravery, protection, and stamina. Elk songs and dances are integral parts of traditional ceremonies, and the animal’s antlers are often used in regalia and sacred objects. The sound of elk bugling is also celebrated in many native stories as a call of spiritual significance, connecting the people with nature.

Distribution of the Elk

Elk are widely distributed across Europe and Asia, with their range extending from Scandinavia and the Baltic states down through parts of Eastern Europe and into Siberia. They are particularly common in countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, and Russia, where they inhabit forests, woodlands, and wetlands. Elk are adaptable to a variety of climates, from the boreal forests of the north to the temperate woodlands further south.

Historically, their range was even broader, but they have been extirpated from regions such as the British Isles and parts of Western Europe. However, there are ongoing discussions and efforts to reintroduce them into some of these areas as part of rewilding projects.

Elk migrate seasonally, often moving to lower elevations in winter. © mayos950, Pixabay

Shop Elk / Moose Apparel – Nature-Inspired & Sustainable

If you've enjoyed learning about the exceptional elk, or indeed the majestic moose, then why not browse (or graze!) our selection of elk-inspired apparel. From t-shirts to jumpers and other such apparel, we have it all!