Yes, elk are present in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park today. They are a significant part of the park’s wildlife, having been reintroduced after their disappearance from the region. Visitors can often observe these large animals in specific areas of the park.
A Return to the Smokies
Elk once roamed across the southern Appalachian Mountains and the eastern United States. However, overhunting and habitat loss led to their severe decline. The last elk in North Carolina was killed in the late 1700s, and in Tennessee, the mid-1800s. By 1900, the North American elk population had dwindled, prompting conservation efforts.
The National Park Service began an initiative to restore elk to their historic range. This reintroduction effort commenced in 2001 with the release of 25 elk into the Cataloochee Valley. These animals were sourced from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, located along the Tennessee-Kentucky border. In 2002, 27 more elk were introduced, bringing the initial total to 52. The program aimed to re-establish a self-sustaining elk herd within the park.
Where to Find Them Today
Most of the elk population within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be found in the Cataloochee Valley, on the North Carolina side. This area served as the initial reintroduction site and continues to support a large portion of the herd. Cataloochee Valley offers suitable habitat with its open fields and meadows for grazing.
Elk have also expanded their range beyond Cataloochee. They are frequently seen near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, especially in the adjacent open fields. Sightings also occur in other parts of the park and outside park boundaries, such as in Maggie Valley. The current elk population in Western North Carolina, including the park, is estimated at around 240 animals as of 2022. The park monitors the herd.
Observing Elk Responsibly
Observing elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best during specific times. Early morning and late evening are ideal, as elk are most active then, grazing in open fields. The autumn rutting season, from early September to mid-October, is notable, as male elk, or bulls, produce loud bugling calls to attract mates.
Safety and ethical viewing practices are important when observing elk. Visitors must maintain a distance of at least 50 yards (150 feet) from elk. Approaching them too closely, or any distance that alters their natural behavior, is illegal and can result in fines. It is also unlawful to feed elk or any other wildlife, as this can make them accustomed to humans and lead to dangerous interactions. If an elk approaches, slowly back away; using binoculars or telephoto lenses allows for observation from a safe distance, respecting their space.