The Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) is the subspecies inhabiting Arizona. Their diet is closely connected to the diverse geography of the state’s high-elevation forests. These large mammals primarily roam mountainous regions, including the White Mountains, the Mogollon Rim, and the San Francisco Peaks area. In summer, they forage at elevations between 7,000 and 10,000 feet where food is most abundant. Elk descend to lower elevations (5,500 to 6,500 feet) during the winter to escape heavy snow and find accessible forage.
Staple Foods of Arizona Elk
Arizona elk are generalist herbivores, consuming a diverse range of plant material, though they primarily function as grazers. As ruminants, their four-chambered stomach allows them to break down tough cellulose found in fibrous plants. The fundamental component of their year-round diet consists of graminoids (grasses and grass-like plants), which provide the bulk of their sustenance. Elk supplement grasses with forbs, which are broad-leafed flowering plants. Forbs offer a higher concentration of protein and nutrients compared to grasses.
When grasses and forbs are less plentiful, elk turn to browse, consisting of the leaves, shoots, and twigs of woody plants. Common browse species include the foliage of aspens, junipers, and piñon pines. This ability to switch between grazing and browsing highlights their dietary adaptability.
Seasonal Variation in Foraging
The distinct seasons in Arizona’s high country force a significant shift in the elk’s foraging strategy. During the summer, elk migrate to higher subalpine meadows where vegetation is lush and nutrient-dense. This diet, rich in high-quality grasses and forbs, is crucial for meeting high nutritional demands. Cows need this forage to support lactation and calf growth, while bulls require it for growing their annual antlers. The goal is to maximize caloric intake and build up substantial fat reserves necessary for surviving the lean months ahead.
As fall approaches, they descend to lower-elevation winter ranges. The winter diet is lower in calories and higher in fiber, relying heavily on less digestible woody browse. Elk consume the twigs, bark, and evergreen needles of species like juniper and pine that remain available above the snow line. This reliance on poor-quality forage means they must slow their metabolism and depend on accumulated fat stores.
The Role of Water and Mineral Licks
Reliable access to water is necessary for Arizona elk, especially given the semi-arid nature of their range. Water consumption increases substantially during the summer, particularly for lactating females who need extra hydration to produce milk for their calves. Elk often concentrate their activity around natural springs, streams, and artificial water developments known as guzzlers during dry periods.
Beyond hydration, elk require a steady source of micronutrients that they cannot obtain sufficiently from forage alone. They seek out mineral licks—natural soil deposits or artificially placed blocks rich in essential salts. Sodium is a primary mineral elk crave, especially after nutrient depletion during the winter months. Bulls also need minerals like calcium and phosphorus during the spring and summer to support the rapid growth of their antlers. Visiting these licks replenishes trace elements necessary for nerve function, muscle contraction, and skeletal development.