Utah Animals "Pony Express Trail" Elk Traditional Cache
Utah Animals "Pony Express Trail" Elk
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is one of the series of Utah Animals caches...it is on a well maintained dirt road....
The Elk, or Wapiti , is one of the largest species of deer in the world and one of the largest mammals in North America and eastern Asia. In the deer family , only the larger moose, (which is called an "elk" in Europe), and Sambar (Rusa unicolor) can rival the elk in size. Elk are almost identical to Red Deer found in Europe, of which they were long believed to be a subspecies; however, mitochondrial DNA evidence from 2004 strongly suggests they are a distinct species.
Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. Although native to North America and eastern Asia, they have adapted well to countries where they have been introduced, including New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. Their great adaptability may threaten endemic species and ecosystems into which they have been introduced.
Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.
Some cultures revere the elk as a spiritual force. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines.
Elk are hunted as a game species; the meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken.
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