Great Smokies Elk Herd Doing Well

The elk herd at Great Smoky Mountains National Park seems to be doing fairly well this year. Though a young bull was put down earlier this month after sustaining two broken legs when it was hit by a vehicle on Interstate 40, the park can count 11 of 13 calves born this year as still alive.
The best place to see the elk is the Cataloochee Valley, one of my favorite spots in the park due to the non-existent crowds and the gorgeous setting. The best times to spot the elk are early morning and late afternoon. Just remember these animals are wild and not from a petting zoo.