Elk mating season, also called rut, has begun at Yellowstone National Park. Two bull elk were seen already clashing antlers in a battle of dominance. | USA TODAY

Have you ever wondered where to find elk in New Mexico? Of an elk’s four habitat requirements — food, water, space and cover — food and cover are most significant in determining where elk are found. Grass is a preferred food of elk, however they can thrive on forbs and woody browse as well. Cover is the animals’ lifeline. Large and mobile, elk can move to water at night, but cover provides daytime shade and protection from insects and humans. The mountains of New Mexico, dark cool forests with i