only the head above water. This they do to protect themselves from 

 flies and mosquitoes. The female will breed the third year, giving 

 birth to one or two and sometimes three fawns. There are several 

 varieties of the elk west of the Rockies, from New Mexico to Ore- 

 gon, the greatest difference being in their coloration, due probably 

 mostly to the climatic change. The more northern varieties usually 

 having heavier antlers, the hair longer in winter and a little darker 

 color. 



