• Male North American elk have the largest antlers of any modern mammals. Their span reaches 180 cm, and their weight is 20–30 kg.
• In winter, North American elk lie in loose snow so that only their head and hump are visible above the snow, which reduces heat loss.
• Males have enormous palmate antlers that they shed annually.

The skin and fur of the species develop by the end of the embryonic period. Young elk have thick fur that protects them from the cold, and their long, strong legs allow for rapid running and walking through deep snow. Adult elk possess thick fur with an undercoat that provides good protection from frost, and they have massive antlers with wide plates used to attract females and engage in battles with rivals. The species also has wide hooves that prevent sinking in snow and aid in swimming, and the large, flexible upper lip helps to tear off leaves and aquatic plants.