Yellowstone provides summer range for an estimated 10,000–20,000 elk (Cervus canadensis) from six to seven herds, most of which winter at lower elevations outside the park.

Bulls have antlers, which begin growing in the spring and usually drop in March or April of the following year. Bull elk begin growing their first set of antlers when they are about one year old.

Growing antlers are covered with a thick, fuzzy coating of skin commonly referred to as “velvet.”