8 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2017
A Mammal
Brief
By Lindsay Rogers
Cervus canadensis
Once common across
Nebraska, the elk was
extirpated from the state by
1900. By the 1960's elk were
once again found in Nebraska,
but only in the northwest
portion of the state. Today, elk
can be found in five regions
throughout western Nebraska
– along the Niobrara River,
Pine Ridge, North Platte River
and Loess Canyons. That said,
young bulls can travel anywhere in the state and often several wander to eastern Nebraska annually. Although
population sizes for elk are often hard to estimate, the state population is likely over 3,000. The Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission is embarking on a new project to estimate elk population sizes using DNA found in elk
scat.
Sexes can be distinguished not only by size – bull elk can reach weights of over 1,000 pounds while females
rarely top 600 pounds – but also by the massive antlers on males which can grow to over four feet in length.
And while both sexes have tan fur with a darker neck, the male's neck mane is also shaggy during the mating
season. ■
N
FARRAR
PHOT
OTO
BY
JO
July 21-23, 2017
Lewellen, NE
Plan to come experience history in Ash
Hollow, refuge to the Native Americans,
Nebraska cowboys and farmsteaders,
fur traders, military and pioneers during
the 1860's.
• Lively Discussions
by Historians
• Trail and
wagon rides
• River rides
• Petting zoo
• Exhibits
• Food
• Music
• Living Histories
• Interactive
activities
Check out our website:
www.Ash-Hollow150th.com
Convergence on
Sacred Ground
Lindsay Rogers is an outdoor
education specialist with the
Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission.
