The Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) is a subspecies of elk, or wapiti, endemic to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. This majestic herbivore adapted to the dense, wet forest environments of the coastal mountains. It holds a significant place in the ecosystem, particularly within the temperate rainforests, where its grazing habits influence the structure of the vegetation. The Roosevelt elk remains an impressive symbol of the wild Pacific coast.
Physical Traits and Identification
The Roosevelt elk is the largest of the four surviving North American elk subspecies in terms of body mass. Mature bulls commonly weigh between 700 and 1,100 pounds, with some exceptional individuals reaching nearly 1,300 pounds. Cows typically range from 575 to 625 pounds, standing between 2.5 and 5.6 feet tall at the shoulder.
Their coat color tends to be darker than other elk, often presenting with a dark brown or black neck and a contrasting tan body. All elk feature a distinct, pale yellowish or off-white rump patch.
The antlers of the bulls are notably shorter and thicker than those of the Rocky Mountain elk, adapting to the dense forest environment. A mature bull’s antlers are dense and rugged, often having a distinctive crowning or three-point tip. These headpieces can reach lengths of up to four feet and are shed and regrown annually between spring and late summer. Both sexes also possess upper canine teeth.
Habitat and Geographic Range
The Roosevelt elk inhabits the lush, moist temperate rainforests and coastal mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest. Their distribution spans a narrow band from southern British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, south through Washington and Oregon, and into northern coastal California. The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is home to one of the largest unmanaged herds.
This subspecies thrives in old-growth forests and areas with a mix of forest cover and open grassy fields, called “edge” environments, which provide grazing opportunities and protection from predators. The dense, steep terrain influences their seasonal migration patterns; they move to higher elevations during the summer and descend to lower valleys and coastal regions in the winter to find accessible forage.
The moisture-rich environment supports a diet of grasses, forbs, lichens, and shrubs, which contributes to their large body size. Their presence in these wet, rugged forests distinguishes them ecologically from plains-dwelling or mountain-peak-dwelling elk subspecies.
Subspecies Status and Conservation Story
The Roosevelt elk is scientifically classified as Cervus canadensis roosevelti, one of the four subspecies of elk remaining in North America. It was formally named in December 1897 by mammalogist C. Hart Merriam in honor of Theodore Roosevelt.
Historically, the population faced severe decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to unregulated hunting and extensive habitat destruction from logging and agriculture. At their lowest point, only a few hundred of these elk remained, primarily restricted to remote areas. This plight prompted action from early naturalists and conservationists.
President Theodore Roosevelt established the Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909, a reserve created largely to protect the herds. This area was later expanded to create Olympic National Park, providing a permanent sanctuary. Subsequent conservation and management efforts, including translocations and habitat restoration, have led to a recovery.
Successful reintroduction programs have established thriving populations in new areas, such as Afognak and Raspberry Islands in Alaska, starting in 1928, and parts of the British Columbia mainland. Today, the subspecies is no longer considered to be at high risk, representing a significant success story for wildlife management and habitat preservation across the Pacific Northwest.