A pair of bull Elk take a noon break in a meadow adjacent to the Oconaluftee river. Fall is the rutting season for elk and the dominant bulls gather their cows into harems, which they defend from the younger bachelor males. Serious fights between bulls are not uncommon. Before the European settlers arrived the Great Smoky Mountains region had an abundant Elk population but by the mid 1800's they hal all but dissappeared from the area. In December 2000 elk were re-introduced to the area and currently Tennessee Elk herd numbers are estimated to be over 300 head.
Taken 10-20-11 Swain County, NC

REF # : WLD-2890 R-5 D3X 70-200MM