Bull elk in Cataloochee area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Reintroduction of elk into GSMNP began in 2001 and 2002 when 52 elk were moved into Cataloochee. Since then the herd has grown to around 200 animals. They have also crossed Balsam Mountain and taken up residence in the Oconoluftee area of the Park. Though this elk is wearing a collar for tracking and research purposes, he and the others are wild.
Elk calf and mother in the Cataloochee area of GSMNP.
Sandhill Crane, Yellowstone National Park.