65. Roosevelt Elk

Olympic National Park is home to the largest unmanaged herd of Roosevelt elk in the Pacific Northwest.  Named for President Theodore Roosevelt, they are the largest variety of elk in North America.  Both males and females have dark brown heads and pale brown bodies.  Males are larger than females, and for most of the year are identifiable by their antlers.  Roosevelt elk are much larger than the black-tail deer that inhabit the same areas.

Elk are relatively versatile, and often occupy a wide range of habitats, from montane meadows and forests down to the lowland rain forests, where there is ample food.  Look for these impressive animals in any of the park’s rain forest valleys.  These non-migratory herds stay in the Hoh area throughout the year, banding together in herds of around 20 and consisting of females and their calves.  Male elk, or bulls, can be seen alone or in pairs.  The September mating season is a great time to hear them bugling, as males compete for groups of females.  Roosevelt elk feed mainly on ferns, shrubs, and lichens from the rain forest, as well as meadow grasses.  For your safety, observe elk and other wildlife from a safe distance of at least 150 feet.