Elk Orange Sunrise

LIMITED EDITION PRINT
This limited edition fine art photo print will only be produced 200 times before it will never be printed again. Your print will be uniquely numbered to show the limited edition status.

Elk, also known as wapiti, are a species of deer native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountain ranges. In Kansas, elk can be found in the eastern and western regions of the state, with the largest populations found in the Flint Hills and the southeastern corner of the state.

Elk are known for their distinctive appearance, with males (bulls) sporting large antlers that can reach up to five feet in width. These antlers are used primarily for mating displays and can weigh up to 40 pounds. Female elk (cows) also have antlers, but they are smaller and more slender than those of males.

Elk are herbivores and primarily feed on grasses, forbs, and other vegetation. In Kansas, elk can be found grazing on grasses such as big bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass, as well as forbs like goldenrod and clover. They are also known to browse on woody plants like willow, oak, and aspen.

In Kansas, elk were once common but were nearly extirpated by the early 1900s due to overhunting and habitat loss. However, thanks to conservation efforts, elk populations have been successfully reintroduced to the state and are now a thriving part of the state's wildlife.

One of the most notable elk reintroduction efforts in Kansas was the reintroduction of elk to the Flint Hills region in the 1990s. Today, the Flint Hills elk herd is considered one of the largest and most successful elk herds in the country, with over 1,500 individuals.

In addition to their ecological value, elk also have an important economic impact in Kansas. Elk hunting and tourism related to elk viewing bring in millions of dollars to the state each year.

Overall, elk play an important role in the ecosystem and economy of Kansas and are a valuable part of the state's natural heritage.