Antlers. These are made of fast-growing bone -- so fast, in fact, that scientists think studying antlers may reveal clues about many types of cancer. Antlers can grow up to an inch a day! Contrary to what most people think, the number of branches or points does not signify an animals' age. Elk will frequently polish their antlers on trees, leaving tell-tale "rubs" -- areas of trees about four feet off the ground scraped bare of bark.

Nomenclature. Wapiti is the Shawnee Indian word for elk. It means "white rump." In Europe, the word "elk" more often refers to the animal we Americans call a moose.

Family Life. To protect elk calves from predators, a cow will hide her newborn in a log or shrub, or among tall grasses, for the first few weeks of its life. The calves wear camouflaging white spots and have very little scent, which helps keep them hidden from predators. To avoid leading predators to her calf, the cow keeps watch from a safe distance, visiting only periodically during the day to let it nurse. Cows are vigilant, however, and will chase off any predators that get too close, using her powerful front hooves as weapons. After a few weeks, the calves have grown strong enough to keep up and will join the rest of the herd.