Arizona Elk
Arizona’s elk population is estimated between 35,000 and 40,000 animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department which leaves ample opportunities to experience these dynamic creatures in their natural habitats throughout the state, and in select state parks. Our elk are descendants of 86 Rocky Mountain Elk brought by train from Wyoming in 1913 that replaced the extinct Merriam’s elk that was originally native to Arizona. Elk provide a connection to the animal world not matched by other similar species through their active communication style and herd behaviors. It’s amazing to watch them communicate and interact as they go about their day. Elk are also one of the more accessible large mammals in Arizona to view and interact with. They often can be found in open park settings (think open field of grass surrounded by pine or juniper trees) adjacent to forest service roads throughout northern Arizona from Seligman east to flagstaff and across the Mogollon rim to eastern Arizona and our border with New Mexico. There are also isolated populations throughout the state, but the aforementioned areas hold the bulk of Arizona’s elk populations, and represent the areas where an encounter is often likely to occur.
Elk Through the Seasons
The elk life cycle is a year-long journey dominated by dramatic changes in behavior, habitat, and physiology. Elk are large animals and choose to spend their seasons in slightly different areas within their home range depending on food and water availability, outside pressure, and weather. Large animals have four long powerful legs that are easily able to navigate Arizona’s most rugged areas, therefore individuals and population segments can travel considerable distances in response to external stimuli. Let’s take a look through the seasons to help you understand where elk may be at different times throughout the year so you can find them and create wild Arizona memories!
Calving Season
In late May to early June, pregnant cows leave their herd to find secluded areas, often in thick brush, out of the way spots, or high elevation grassy areas, to give birth. Newborn elk calves are spotted at birth and have no scent to help them stay under the radar of predators like coyotes, mountain lions, and black bears. After giving birth, the mother elk stashes her nearly helpless calf to rely on camouflage, returning only to nurse so she doesn’t draw predators to her calf. After about two weeks the elk calves are strong enough to join their mothers with the rest of the nursery herds. It’s important to note that cow elk are very territorial and aggressive towards threats during calving season. Because of this, please use caution in the elk woods this time of year and observe elk from a distance. Getting trampled by an elk, or spooking a calf into the waiting jaws of a black bear could have negative impacts on your experience!
Summer Range
As summer settles in across northern Arizona, elk shift into predictable patterns centered around food, water, and temperature. Bachelor groups of bull elk are generally separate from the nursery groups during summer but start to spend time closer to the cows as the rut approaches in September. You will most often find them at higher elevations where daytime temperatures are cooler and forage is abundant. Lush grasses, forbs, and new growth on the edges of meadows become prime feeding areas, especially at sunrise and sunset when elk are most active. During the heat of the day, elk typically bed down in shaded north-facing slopes or dense stands of vegetation. These areas provide relief from the oppressive summer sun and protection from incessant insects like gnats, flies, and mosquitoes. Water becomes a daily necessity this time of year, so sources like springs, stock tanks, creeks, and seeps are reliable places to look, especially in the early morning or evening hours.
This time of year the bull elk’s antlers are still covered in velvet as they grow up to one inch per day making them the fastest growing bone tissue on earth! As they grow, the elk’s antlers are filled with blood vessels and nerve endings so they are extremely delicate to the touch. This forces bulls to rely on heavy cover, or wind in more open country to relieve themselves from insects constantly trying to snack on the fresh growth.
