The American elk, also known as Wapiti after the Algonquin word for "white rump", is found through much of western North America with scattered populations in the north and east. Elk are strict herbivores and will graze on grasses as well as browsing on shrubs and saplings. Once considered to be the same species as the European red deer, Cervus elaphus, the American elk is now recognized as its own unique species.