North American elk is a name that refers to a group of North American and Asiatic forms of red deer, of Europe. Often referred to by its Shawnee name wapiti (which means "white-rump"), this deer is second only to moose as the largest deer in North America. The average weight of a stag is about 300 kg (660 lb.) and some individuals attain weights of 500 kg (1,100 lb.). Hinds (females) are about 80% of the weight of stags (males).

Elk can survive in a variety of habitats. They are flexible herbivores, able to switch from grazing to browsing, depending on the season. They can run at speeds up to 50 km/h (30 MPH) and are capable swimmers. During the rut (August to November) stags' bugling can be heard over 1.5 km (1 mile).

Once found as far east as the Eastern Townships of Quebec, wapiti are now found only in western North America.