Elk live in North Carolina, primarily in the mountainous western regions. Their presence is a result of successful reintroduction efforts in the early 2000s, bringing these large mammals back to their historic range. They are generally found within and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Elk’s Current Presence in North Carolina
Elk are currently found in the mountainous areas of western North Carolina, particularly within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and adjacent regions. The primary viewing locations within the park are Cataloochee Valley and the Oconaluftee Valley, near Cherokee. These areas offer open fields and forested habitats suitable for elk. Beyond the park boundaries, elk have expanded their range into surrounding counties like Haywood, Jackson, and Swain, occasionally appearing in neighboring towns and private lands.
A History of Absence and Return
Elk were once widespread across the eastern United States, including North Carolina, but faced significant population declines. Unregulated hunting and habitat loss led to their extirpation from North Carolina by the late 1700s or early 1800s. By the mid-1800s, Eastern Elk had nearly vanished throughout their entire range, with the last known wild Eastern Elk killed in Pennsylvania in 1877.
The reintroduction of elk to North Carolina began in 2001, led by the National Park Service. This project released 52 elk into the Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park over two years (2001-2002). These reintroduced elk were the Manitoban subspecies (Cervus elaphus manitobensis), originating from Kentucky and Alberta, Canada. The reintroduction was deemed a success by 2008, with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) assuming management responsibilities for elk outside the park boundaries. Several organizations, including the University of Tennessee and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, supported these restoration efforts.
North Carolina’s Elk Population
The elk population in North Carolina has shown steady growth since the reintroduction. As of 2022, the estimated population in western North Carolina was approximately 240 elk. Around 150 of these elk spend at least part of the year within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Ongoing monitoring efforts, such as a five-year project by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in conjunction with the University of Tennessee, aim to estimate population abundance, survival, and growth.
Coexisting with Elk
Interacting responsibly with elk is important for both human safety and the animals’ well-being. It is advised to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from elk, as they are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Approaching them too closely, or any distance that alters their behavior, is illegal within the national park and can result in fines. Using binoculars or telephoto lenses allows for close-up viewing from a safe distance.
Feeding wild elk is prohibited because it can lead to public safety issues and promote the spread of diseases. When elk associate humans with food, they may lose their natural fear, becoming more aggressive or seeking food in residential areas. During the fall breeding season, known as the rut, male elk can be particularly aggressive, and females will defend their young. Visitors should remain near their vehicles if elk are present, especially during these times. While elk primarily graze on grasses, shrubs, and leaves, their presence can sometimes lead to issues with gardens or agriculture, which requires management strategies.