What is the difference, if any, between an elk, a roosevelt elk and a mountain elk?
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I assume you are referring to The Rocky Mountain Elk.
North American elk are divided into six subspecies of the red deer (Cervus elaphus). It would probably be better to call these ecotypes, rather than subspecies, because their differences are due largely to what and how much they eat.
Eastern Elk, (Crervus Elaphus Canadensis) If any still exist, they are few. And many experts believe them to be extinct. Once inhabited Ontario, And Southern Quebec, The eastern U.S. except New England, and Florida,
Roosevelt Elk (Crervus Elaphus Roosevelti) Pacific North west. Northern California, Oregon, Washington, And Vancouver Island. It is larger Bodied, and darker than the Rocky Mountain Elk.
Average weights: adult female - 600 pounds, adult male - 900 pounds
A large male should tip the scales at more than 1000 pounds.
Tule Elk: (Crervus Elaphus Nannodes)
The smallest of the North American elk ecotypes once lived in large numbers in California's San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. It is, therefore, adapted to semi desert conditions. Civilization pushed it into the tule marshes once found along streams and lagoons that lead into San Francisco Bay. It is now a protected population in California in Owens Valley and at Point Reyes National Seashore.
Although the Tule elk is the smallest of the elk ecotypes, its small size appears to be largely a function of the environment. Given good nutrition it will grow as large as Rocky Mountain elk.
Average weights: adult female - 411 pounds, adult male - 554 pounds
Length: 6 2/3 feet
Rocky Mountain Elk: (Crervus Elaphus Nelsoni) This Subspecies Ranges from New Mexico To North central British Columbia, The intermountain Region.
Average Weights: adult female - 500 pounds, adult male - 700 pounds
Manatoban Elk: (Crervus Elaphus Manitobensis)
This elk is found in the southern Prairie Provinces of Canada (northern prairies and adjacent forests of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and north central Alberta) and North Dakota (small population) The Manatoban Elk Has Darker coat, and smaller antlers than the Rocky Mountain Elk. It weighs More But Is about the same size as the Rocky Mountain Elk.
Average weights: adult female - 606 pounds, adult male - 777 pounds
Length: 7 9/10 feet
Merriam Elk: (Crervus Elaphus Merriami) Extinct.
This animal once lived in western Texas, New Mexico and mountains of Arizona.