Pointed antlers branch ... Strong legs trot ... Meet the elk! Brimming with vivid photos and scientific facts, this middle-grade nonfiction book treats researchers and wild animal lovers to a comprehensive profile of these majestic mammals. It covers zoology topics such as anatomy, diet, habitat, and life cycle, as well as species conservation efforts and the animals' relationship with humans throughout history. Sidebars, a range map, and a glossary support the main text, while an Appalachian folktale about the elk adds a cross-curricular cultural layer to the title.