Wapiti

   Wapiti is the name given by the North American Indians to Cervus canadensis, the American elk, a native of North America, ranging from the Carolinas to lat. 56-57° N. Its range is now practically limited to the northern Rocky Mountains; there are large wapiti herds in Yellowstone Park. It is closely allied to but considerably larger than the red deer, about 54 inches high at the shoulder; yellowish brown on upper parts; sides gray, long coarse hair in front of neck, like a dewlap; antlers large, brow-tine duplicated. It frequents low grounds, or woody tracts near savannahs or marshes. The venison is of little value, as it is coarse and dry; but the hide makes excellent leather. It is called also, but erroneously, the elk and gray moose.