2011 Special Edition Specimen Set – Baby Elk
This year’s two-dollar coin features an elk calf. In early summer, elk cows give birth to a single spotted calf that weighs about 16 kg (35 lbs). On a diet of their mother’s rich milk, calves often double their weight during the two weeks following birth. Throughout this period, calves typically hide in dense vegetation while their mothers forage close by. Some biologists believe that the calves’ white spots are meant to help them blend in with forest plants. During the later summer months, cows and calves come together in herds of up to 400. These are organized in a strictly-respected social hierarchy under the watchful eye of a matriarch.
Once fully-matured, these formerly-tiny elk calves are awesomely large: bulls weigh an average of 315 kg (700 lbs) and cows average 225 kg (500 lbs). Bulls appear particularly tall because of their imposing antlers and dark shaggy mane.
