Tule Elk
Tule Elk
Common Name:Tule ElkKingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:ChordataClass:MammaliaOrder:ArtiodactylaFamily:CervidaeGenus:CervusSpecies:Cervus canadensisSubspecies:Cervus canadensis nannodesThe Tule Elk is the smallest of the North American elk species, the male (bull) elk weighing an average of 450 to 500 pounds (200 to 225 kg), and the female (cow) weighing between 350 to 425 pounds (150 to 200 kg). Tule Elk have a light-beige coat with a dark brown mane surrounding their neck. The rump of the Tule elk is white to a very light tan. The average length of a Tule Elk is 7 feet, and is 4 to 5 feet high at the shoulders. Similar to the Rocky Mountain Elk, a mature male Tule Elk will typically have 6 points on each of the antlers.
Tule Elk Distribution/Habitat
The Tule Elk was once known to inhabit most of central California from the east coast to the Sierra Nevada Foothills, but today the Tule Elk are primarily located in the Tule Elk State Reserve in California, which was created in 1932 to protect the once extinct animal. At one point in the Tule Elk’s history, there were 400,000 to 500,000 elk roaming free in most of California. At the low point, there may have been as few as 20 to 30. A farmer/cattleman by the name of Henry Miller was determined to save this majestic animal, which for him started in the 1870’s – 50 years before Tule Elk State Reserve was created for the preservation of this almost extinct animal. The heard in Tule Elk State Reserve population is now 2,500 to 3,000 head of elk. The State of California has also transplanted the Tule Elk into other wildlife reserves where the animal once roamed.
Tule Elk Diet
Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Zahm, Gary RTule Elk primarily eat various forbs, grasses, leaves and twigs. Tule Elk will also eat aquatic vegetation near streams and bodies of water. They are also known to eat alfalfa when available.
Tule Elk Reproduction
Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Zahm, Gary RTule Elk calves are usually born from mid-May to mid-June and weigh between 20 to 25 pounds at birth. Calves are born with spots which are gone by the end of summer. The calves are weaned from their mother’s milk at two months of age, leaving the comfort of their mother just before the breeding season begins in the next year.
Common Name:Tule ElkKingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:ChordataClass:MammaliaOrder:ArtiodactylaFamily:CervidaeGenus:CervusSpecies:Cervus canadensisSubspecies:Cervus canadensis nannodesThe Tule Elk is the smallest of the North American elk species, the male (bull) elk weighing an average of 450 to 500 pounds (200 to 225 kg), and the female (cow) weighing between 350 to 425 pounds (150 to 200 kg). Tule Elk have a light-beige coat with a dark brown mane surrounding their neck. The rump of the Tule elk is white to a very light tan. The average length of a Tule Elk is 7 feet, and is 4 to 5 feet high at the shoulders. Similar to the Rocky Mountain Elk, a mature male Tule Elk will typically have 6 points on each of the antlers.
Tule Elk Distribution/Habitat
The Tule Elk was once known to inhabit most of central California from the east coast to the Sierra Nevada Foothills, but today the Tule Elk are primarily located in the Tule Elk State Reserve in California, which was created in 1932 to protect the once extinct animal. At one point in the Tule Elk’s history, there were 400,000 to 500,000 elk roaming free in most of California. At the low point, there may have been as few as 20 to 30. A farmer/cattleman by the name of Henry Miller was determined to save this majestic animal, which for him started in the 1870’s – 50 years before Tule Elk State Reserve was created for the preservation of this almost extinct animal. The heard in Tule Elk State Reserve population is now 2,500 to 3,000 head of elk. The State of California has also transplanted the Tule Elk into other wildlife reserves where the animal once roamed.
Tule Elk Diet
Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Zahm, Gary RTule Elk primarily eat various forbs, grasses, leaves and twigs. Tule Elk will also eat aquatic vegetation near streams and bodies of water. They are also known to eat alfalfa when available.
Tule Elk Reproduction
Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Zahm, Gary RTule Elk calves are usually born from mid-May to mid-June and weigh between 20 to 25 pounds at birth. Calves are born with spots which are gone by the end of summer. The calves are weaned from their mother’s milk at two months of age, leaving the comfort of their mother just before the breeding season begins in the next year.