[thackney]

First, about "elk", or "reindeer"

Elk are not reindeer. Caribou are the wild version of the domesticated reindeer.

[muawiyah]

Cervus canadensis (Elk) have an enormous range in North America and East Asia ~ less than 1/4 so you're right. Their relationship to the "other deer" is through the same lineage as the "red deer".

Now, back to the reindeer/caribou ~ same species, different size, various locals ~ HUGE RANGE just North of Elk.

These animals are in no danger of extinction any time soon ~ if ever.