Elk /European English/, Moose /American English/ (Alces alces)

The elk is the biggest terrestrial mammal in our country. It is spread all over the country except for Gotland. In the last 20-30 years the elk population has increased very strongly, and today we have a population of some 300 000 animals. There are many reasons for this increase, but the shooting regulations and larger amounts of feed due to new forestry  methods (clear-felling) are the major ones. The bull has its largest antlers at the age of 7-10 years. Then they gradually become smaller. There are two types of antlers: palmate and cervine.

Order: Even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla)

Family: Deer (Cervidae)

Weight: Bulls: 320-450 kilos (in extreme cases up to 800 kilos)

             Cows: 275-375 kilos

Life span: Up to 25 years

Mating period: September-October

Gestation period: About 8 months

Calves: Are born in May-June and weigh 8-15 kilos at birth. In most cases 1 or 2 calves, being suckled for 7-8 months.