American Elk (Cervus Canadensis)

American Elk are common throughout the Bear Creek watershed. They are often seen in area open space parks, golf courses, playgrounds and even wandering through town. Elk jams, traffic jams caused by elk grazing near or crossing area roads, are also common. Elk are big, weighing between 400 and 900 pounds. They are grayish, reddish brown with buff-colored rumps and nearly non-existent tails. Mature males have large antlers, typically with as many as six tines branching from the main stem, which they shed in late winter. During the rut (September through November) bulls can be quite unpredictable. In spring and summer, cows will aggressively protect calves, chasing and kicking at people and dogs.

 

Also worth knowing: Not sure if you are looking at an Elk or a Moose? Elk are usually seen in herds. They spook easily and will usually run away if threatened. They have slender, deer-like snouts and the males’ antlers branch out from a central stem. Moose are taller, and more solitary. They will stand their ground and possibly attack if threatened. They have broad, overhanging snouts and “bells” (flaps of skin) that hang down under their chins. Moose antlers branch out from a flattened central “palm.” For more information go to: Moose or Elk? How to tell the difference

Moose (Alces alces)

 

Although native to Colorado, Moose were nearly extirpated (made locally extinct) from Colorado by the 1960s. They were reintroduced starting in the 1970s and are now thriving here. They are tall, up to 6 feet at the shoulder, and heavy, weighing up to 1500 pounds! Their antlers, which are palmate, meaning that there is a large, flattened area from which the branches stem, can spread up to 6 feet. Moose are present in wilderness areas in the upper reaches of the watershed with occasional sightings every year as far downhill as Evergreen and even Morrison and Golden. They are usually in or near water where their long legs come in handy for wading and swimming. They are feisty animals so give them plenty of space. Females with calves can be especially unpredictable.

Also worth knowing: In some languages, the animal that we call a Moose is called Elk. This is one reason to use scientific names, because scientific names, usually in Latin, are the same in every language.

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

 

Mule Deer, named for their large, mule-like ears, are common in and near the Bear Creek watershed, and are often found in small groups of 8-10 individuals. Their antlers are evenly forked, their rumps are whitish and their tails, which hang down when they run, have black tips. They often stot, that is, lift all four feet at once while running. Smaller than elk, they tend, on average, to be larger than White-Tailed Deer. Mule deer bucks lose and regrow their antlers every year.

Whitetail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

 

White-tailed Deer are common at lower altitudes, in and near Denver, and are occasionally seen in the foothills. They have small ears compared to Mule Deer, and their antlers have a main stem with smaller branches. They have unmistakable white tails that they carry high when running. Bucks lose and regrow their antlers every year.

Also worth knowing: Not sure which deer you are looking at? Go to: A Quick Guide to Differentiate Mule Deer from White-tailed Deer