The elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is a large terrestrial mammal and one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae. It is recognized as the second-largest species in its family and ranks among the largest land mammals found in its native ranges.
The elk is primarily distributed across North America, Central Asia, and East Asia. Historically, the term "elk" was used to describe the European moose (Alces alces), but the name was later transferred by North American colonists to refer specifically to the wapiti.