Elk!

On the return trip from Pigeon Forge, we detoured to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to Cataloochee in the Maggie Valley.  In 2001, 25 elk were relocated from Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes, to the Park.  In 2002, another 27 were imported.  All were collared and monitored during the 8 years of the experimental part of the project.  In 2009-2010, they began developing an environmental assessment of the program and a long-term management program for the elk.  We knew that we would need to be there early in the day or late in the evening in order to see them.  So, we set out from Pigeon Forge at 5am, arriving at the park at 7am.  We began our descent into the valley, along a 10-mile gravel road, with steep drop-offs and no guard rails.

When we arrived in the valley, our first sighting was along the road, just on the other side of the opposite lane.  A beautiful bull elk was calmly grazing along the roadside.

Had to use the flash - it was still pretty dark in the hills!

A short distance later, we saw 2 more bulls grazing beside the Ranger Station.

Imagine looking out your front door and seeing this sight!

 A little farther along, we saw 5 more - cows and calves.

It was wonderful fun to be able to stand up in the seat of the car, with my head out of the sun roof, and my 150-500mm lens resting on the top of the car!  Safety...that's the ticket here.  The bulls can weigh 600 - 700 lbs, and are 7 - 10 ft long, nose to tail, and 4 - 5' tall at the shoulder.  Females are slightly smaller - weighing an average of 500 lbs.  The calves weigh about 35 lbs. at birth!  They are the biggest animals in the park, and can be quite aggressive if they feel threatened.  It is a federal offense to willingly approach the elk within 50 yards - with a hefty fine!  Of course, when they are in the road...you just don't want to get out of the car!

Linking to Camera Critters.