The elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America, as well as Central and East Asia. The common name elk, used in North America, creates confusion because the larger Alces alces, which is called moose in North America, is also called elk in British English, and related names in other European languages (German Elch, Swedish älg, French élan). The name "wapiti" is sometimes used in North America for Cervus canadensis. It originates from the Shawnee and Cree word waapiti, meaning 'white rump'. Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. Male elk have large antlers which they shed each year. Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations that establishes dominance over other males and attracts females. Although it is currently native to North America and central/eastern Asia, it had a much wider distribution in the past. Populations were present across Eurasia into Western Europe during the Late Pleistocene and survived into the early Holocene in southern Sweden and the Alps; the extinct Merriam's elk subspecies ranged into Mexico. The elk has adapted well to countries where it has been introduced, including Argentina and New Zealand. Its adaptability may in fact threaten endemic species and the ecosystems into which it has been introduced. Elk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely by vaccination, have had mixed success. Some cultures revere the elk as having spiritual significance. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines. Elk are hunted as a game species. Their meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken. Elk were long believed to belong to a subspecies of the European red deer (Cervus elaphus), but evidence from many mitochondrial DNA genetic studies beginning in 1998 shows that the two are distinct species. Key morphological differences that distinguish C. canadensis from C. elaphus are the former's wider rump patch and paler-hued antlers.
The Story is About The Young Sabertooth Cat, Bidzil who lost his parents to Takar, The Ruthless, Cruel & Formidable American Lion who Killed Them. The adult jaguars, Calian & his Mate, Eyota took Bidzil in after losing their cub who is their son to Takar who killed him in Cold-Blood. in his early adolescence, Bidzil has Been with Meeko the raccoon, Honani the Badger, & Siwili the Gray fox who are orphans, and they spent time together ever since. in The Ways of Life, Calian Trains Bidzil to hunt and fight for survival if he's to defeat takar. Bidzil was grown into a young adult when he met a Young & Beautiful Sabertooth cat, Winona, and her Protective Older Brother, Kitchi who lost their father to The Pack of Pleistocene Coyotes, and their widowed mother, sakari. with the Help of Bidzil's Three Friends, his jaguar Parents, Calian & Eyota, The Pack of Dire Wolves, and The Guidance of The Wise & Mystic Megalonyx Shaman (Jefferson's Ground Sloth), also, bidzil will become Strong & Wise so That he will protect the grand lands, defeat takar, & avenged his parents' death.
