elch

The word "elch" is German for elk or moose. The animal, Alces alces, is the largest extant species in the deer family and is native to the boreal and mixed broadleaf forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Elk are known for their impressive size, with males, called bulls, possessing large palmate antlers. Females are called cows. These herbivores primarily feed on twigs, bark, and foliage, adapting their diet to the seasons. They are solitary animals for much of the year, coming together primarily for mating during the autumn rut. Elk inhabit a wide range of environments, from tundra to temperate forests, and are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Their conservation status varies by region, with some populations being stable while others face threats from habitat loss and hunting. The term "elch" in German specifically refers to this large deer species, distinguishing it from other types of deer.