Roosevelt elk, Cervus canadensis roosevelti, represent the largest subspecies of North American elk by body mass. These impressive animals are characterized by their substantial size, dark brown coats, and the large, branching antlers that males, known as bulls, develop and shed annually. Bulls can weigh between 700 and 1,200 pounds, while cows typically range from 575 to 625 pounds.
Current Distribution
Roosevelt elk are found along the Pacific Northwest, primarily west of the Cascade Mountains, extending from northern California through Oregon and Washington, and into southern British Columbia, Canada. In Washington, a significant population, including the largest unmanaged herd of approximately 5,000 elk, resides within Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula. They are also present in other areas of western Washington.
Oregon hosts an estimated population of about 59,000 Roosevelt elk, concentrated in the Cascade and Coast ranges. In California, their presence is more localized, primarily in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, and western Siskiyou County, with several herds calling Redwood National and State Parks home. Within British Columbia, Roosevelt elk are mainly restricted to Vancouver Island and parts of the southwestern mainland, including the Sunshine Coast. Vancouver Island alone is home to a substantial population, and some translocations have successfully established new herds in other mainland areas. Additionally, Roosevelt elk were successfully introduced to Afognak and Raspberry Islands off the coast of Alaska in 1928, where they continue to thrive.
Habitat Preferences
Roosevelt elk primarily inhabit dense, temperate rainforests and old-growth forests found throughout their Pacific Northwest range. These environments provide forage, water, and cover from predators and adverse weather. They often prefer “edge” environments, such as grassy fields adjacent to forested areas, which offer both grazing opportunities and quick access to protective tree cover.
Within these forests, they utilize a mosaic of habitats, including riparian areas, wet meadows, and open conifer stands. During warmer months, they may frequent higher elevations, such as subalpine meadows, for foraging. In contrast, winter often sees them moving to lower elevation river valleys and densely canopied forests that offer snow interception and thermal refuge. Old-growth forests provide shelter and woody browse for wintering habitat when other food sources are scarce.
Historical Range and Recovery
Historically, Roosevelt elk were more widely distributed across the Pacific Northwest, extending from southern British Columbia down to Sonoma County, California. However, by the late 1800s and early 1900s, their populations experienced significant declines due to westward expansion, habitat loss, and unregulated hunting. By 1907, the North American elk population, once estimated at millions, was reduced to fewer than 100,000 individuals.
This drastic decline spurred widespread conservation efforts, leading to the establishment of protected areas. For instance, Mount Olympus National Monument, now Olympic National Park, was created in 1909 specifically as a reserve to protect Roosevelt elk herds. Successful reintroduction programs and habitat management activities have played a significant role in their recovery. These efforts have allowed Roosevelt elk populations to rebound, expanding their presence within parts of their historical range and leading to their current, more stable distribution.