Elk are large deer native to North America and Asia, although they have been introduced and have prospered in such places as Argentina and New Zealand. They graze in forests and on forest edges, eating plants, grasses, leaves, and bark.

Elk communicate with newborns using a series of vocalizations to keep them close by, often creating the sound of constant chatter in the herd. The biggest and strongest females of the herd will stand their ground with predators and kick away attackers.

After mating, female elk band together to form large herds, sometimes 50 or more in number.