Elk (Wapiti)

The elk or wapiti (Cervus canadensis) is one of the most visible large mammals in Banff National Park. The name “wapiti” is Shawnee/Cree for “white rump”; referring to the pale patch on the animal’s hindquarters. Europeans mistakenly called it “elk” (their word for moose); in North America, “wapiti” clarifies the species.

Identification: Large cervid; bulls carry massive, branched antlers (shed each winter). Tan to brown coat; distinctive pale rump; dark mane on throat. Cows and calves form herds; bulls may be solitary or in bachelor groups outside rut. Much larger than mule deer; smaller than moose; no palmate antlers (unlike moose).

Population history: Indigenous elk were nearly extirpated from the Rockies by overhunting and severe winters. The last native Banff elk was recorded in 1912. Reintroduction in the 1920s–1940s; primarily from Yellowstone; re established the population. Elk now thrive in the Bow Valley, townsite, and meadows.

Habitat and diet: Elk favour open meadows, forest edges, and riparian areas. Grazers and browsers: grasses, forbs, shrubs, aspen bark in winter. In winter, congregate in lower valleys; in summer, move to higher subalpine meadows.

Viewing: Common at Lake Louise, Banff townsite, Bow Valley Parkway, and many trailheads. Maintain 30 m distance; elk are unpredictable, especially cows with calves (May–June) and bulls in rut (September–October). Never approach; vehicle collisions are a leading cause of elk mortality.

Wapta vs. Wapiti: The resort’s Wapta run is named for the Wapta Icefield (Stoney for “river”), not the elk; though the similar names cause frequent confusion.