The Elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is a species of deer native to North America and Asia. They have been made famous in states like Colorado and Tennessee. The elk was once widespread all over the northern US and Canada. While their range has been reduced to mostly the western US and Canada, populations have been reintroduced into places like the Ozarks and Smoky Mountains. The males are called bulls and have incredible pointed antlers that can weigh more than 40 lbs. These antlers are used mainly to fight other males and impress the females, which are called cows. Elk are a sustainable part of the diets of many large predators in North America like gray wolves, cougars, grizzly and American black bears. Elk calves and carcasses are also eaten by smaller predators such as bobcats, coyotes, red foxes and Canada lynx.
In the fall, during the rut, a bull elk will bugle to establish his territory and challenge other bulls to battle. This bugle is unique to this species of deer, and is one of the most distinctive calls in the deer world. It consists of a long, drawn out screech or whistle, often followed by two to four "whek-whek-whek" sounds.