The elk, or wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family. 

There is an estimated population of 72000 elk across North America, primarily in the British Columbia territory of Vancouver and Vancouver Island including mountainous areas such as Wyoming's National Elk Refuge and Yellowstone National Park.

Elk are generally gentle and harmless to humans; however, they are wild animals and their actions may be unpredictable. Since male and female elk reach heights of up to 4-5 feet tall, it's best to build a 6 feet high elk fence if they appear to bother landscapes such as farms and gardens. 

Don't let their size fool you. It's possible to control elk activity on lawns and gardens; and keep them at bay from landscapes.