Home › Mammalia › Cervidae › Elk (Alces alces)
SPECIES PROFILE
Elk (Alces alces)
Alces
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Northern Europe, Asia
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Boreal forest, wetlands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Artiodactyla
FAMILY
Cervidae
GENUS
Alces
📋 Description
SIZE
200-300 cm body, 300-800 kg
COLORATION
Dark brown, long legs, large muzzle
ADAPTATIONS
Long legs for deep snow, excellent swimmer
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Boreal forest, wetlands
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Northern Europe, Asia
REPRODUCTION
1-2 calves per year
DIET DETAILS
Leaves, twigs, aquatic plants
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Vehicle collisions
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The elk is the largest deer in the world and can stand 2 m at the shoulder. It is an excellent swimmer and eats aquatic plants.
2
In Sweden there are more elk than people in some regions.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Swedish Lapland
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for in boreal forests near lakes; best at dawn/dusk.
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