Elk (surname)

Elk is a surname, derived from Native-American names whose multi-word translations into English end in "Elk".

Those bearing the surname include:

Big Elk (c. 1765–1846), American Omaha leader

John Elk (fl. 1880s), plaintiff in Elk v. Wilkins

Black Elk (c. 1863–1950), American Oglala leader & author

Elk

The elk or wapiti (Cervus canadensis) is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, in the world, and one of the largest land mammals in North America and eastern Asia. This animal should not be confused with the larger moose (Alces alces), to which the name "elk" applies in the British Isles and Eurasia. Apart from the moose, the only other member of the deer family to rival the elk in size is the south Asian sambar (Rusa unicolor).

Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves and bark. Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.

Although native to North America and eastern Asia, they have adapted well to countries where they have been introduced, including Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Their great adaptability may threaten endemic species and ecosystems into which they have been introduced. Elk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely through vaccination, have had mixed success.

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Elk (sculpture)

Elk, also known as the David P. Thompson Monument,Elk Fountain or the Thompson Elk, is an outdoor fountain and bronze sculpture by American artist Roland Hinton Perry, located in the Plaza Blocks in downtown Portland, Oregon, in the United States.

Description and history

The Elk is located at Southwest Main between 3rd and 4th Avenues, between Chapman Square and Lownsdale Square in Portland's Plaza Blocks. It was donated by former Portland mayor David P. Thompson in 1900 to commemorate the elk that once lived in the area.

The project was completed within a budget of $20,000 under the direction of designer E.G. Wright. Constructed of Barre Granite, the fountain design specified a 25 feet (7.6 m) diameter and 8 feet (2.4 m) high base. Wright had planned to complete the monument in time for a Fourth of July dedication to coincide with a city street carnival, but delays from removing nearby trees, widening Main Street, and connecting city water pipe forced Wright to delay completion of the monument. The 6,800 pounds (3,100 kg) Elk was lifted into position in late August, and the Thompson Fountain was finished the first week of September 1900. A carnival sponsored by the Portland Elks Club began that week, and The Oregonian informed its readers, "this is not a carnival elk." According to the city, the Exalted Order of Elks refused to dedicate it because they considered the statue "a monstrosity of art."