16. American Elk (also Wapiti) - Cervus canadensis. About 9 feet long. Weighs from 500-1,000 pounds. Has 1-3 calves at a time. Eats grasses, twigs, leaves and green plants. Habitat is open meadows, brushy undergrowth and mature timber. Travels in herds. Forestry Story - The yellow-topped trees in the picture were killed by fire beetles. Tree farmers harvest dead, diseased and wind-felled trees to recover their good wood before it decays. This removes dead trees in which insects breed best.
