It is the second largest species of deer in the world, after the moose, which is, confusingly, often also called "elk" in Europe. Elk are one of the largest mammals in North America and eastern Asia possessing an even number of toes on each foot, similar to those of camels, goats and cattle. It is a ruminant species, with a four-chambered stomach, and feeds on grasses, plants, leaves and bark. During the summer, wapiti eat almost constantly, consuming between 4.5 and 6.8 kg.

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Il est bon nageur et coureur (il peut atteindre la vitesse de 50 km/h). Il vit en moyenne une vingtaine d'années.