are elk and reindeer the same

Yes, elk and reindeer are the same species. Reindeer are the common name for the subspecies known as "caribou," which live in the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Elk is a more general term that can be used to refer to various deer species, including caribou, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. In some areas, the term "elk" is used interchangeably with "caribou," but they are the same species.