Elk Scat and Tracks: How to Identify Them (Cervus canadensis)

Deer, elk and moose are hoofed, so every track is two crescent-shaped halves with the points facing forward; the size and how far the halves splay are what separate the species. Their droppings are pellets, single or clumped, and the pellet size scales with the animal. Look along field edges, game trails and browse lines (twigs nipped off at a slant) for more sign. The measurements below for Elk are quoted from the wildlife agencies linked at the bottom of the page.

• Size: Larger and longer than deer droppings (no specific measurement given)

• Front: Both front and hind hoofprints are 3.5-5 inches long, with the front hoof slightly larger than the hind
• Hind: Similar in size to the front hoof; the hind hoof often partially overlaps the front hoof print while walking
• Toes: Two-part cleft hoof, overall heart-shaped, with a split down the middle
• Gait: Walking stride 3-5 feet; a bound can exceed 15 feet

Moose hoofprints are larger and less pointed than White-tailed Deer hoofprints The White-tailed Deer page has its own sign list.

Moose hoofprints are smaller than cattle hoofprints

Put something of known size next to it (a coin, a pen, a boot) and shoot straight down in soft light; low side light brings out the shape of tracks in mud or snow. For scat, photograph the whole deposit and one close-up showing contents. Note where it was: on a log, in the open, on a trail, near water. The app suggests the likely animal; confirm with the size and shape notes above.