Cervus elaphus “Wapiti” Cervidae, male
National Bison Range, MT
September 21, 2013
Robert Niese
The name “wapiti” comes from the Shawnee and it means “light-colored rump.” Elk found here in the PNW are arguably the same species as “red deer” found in Europe. They have been split and regrouped countless times by taxonomists.
Northwest Naturalist 