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| Distribution |
It formerly occurred in the NC mountains and probably the northwestern Piedmont -- based mostly on place names, such as Banner Elk, Elk Park, Elk River, etc. In 2001, the National Park Service (NPS) started a re-introduction project in the southeastern portion of Great Smoky Mountains NP, mainly in and near the Cataloochee Valley. This population is highly monitored, and the NPS makes every effort possible to keep the elk within the national park boundary. However, individuals have wandered well away from this area into a few adjacent counties, mostly to the east. There are iNaturalist photos from areas east to Buncombe and Madison counties and south to Henderson and Jackson counties. The editors have accepted a few of these photos, but without more detail on location within these counties, it is best not to map them.
Formerly occurred over the majority of the United States and western Canada, east to most Atlantic states. The species became extirpated during the 1800's essentially east of the Rockies, mainly owing to hunting. |
| Abundance |
The former abundance of the species in NC and the East is not known. The re-introduced population has fared rather well, and as of 2011 numbered about 140 individuals. This number has likely increased in recent years, and recently the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) estimated between 150-200 individuals now in the state. It had been placed by the NCWRC onto the State Special Concern list soon after the species was re-introduced, but by 2020 the species was removed from such State protection. However, because numbers are still quite low (low hundreds), it seems best that the species be placed on at least the N.C. Natural Heritage Program's Watch List. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Occurs year-round; not seasonal in occurrence or appearance in the park. |
| Habitat |
Historically, Elk may have occurred around the margins or near grassy balds and other natural openings, though sleeping and breeding presumably in forested cover. In the national park, individuals spend the day inside forests, resting during the day, and emerge to feed in fields and along other openings very late in the day and at night. |
| Behavior |
Elk occur in herds for most of the year. |
| Comments |
Viewing of Elk in Great Smoky Mountains NP is a popular activity; many people drive the road through Cataloochee Valley, particularly late in the day, to watch for Elk coming out of the forests into the fields. Park visitors are not allowed to leave the roadsides to go into the fields or forests in this portion of the park.
Around 2017, the NCWRC proposed an Elk hunting season in NC, by permit only. As of early 2022, such an Elk season has not been enacted. In the past several years, the Elk was removed from the NC Protected Species List, as Special Concern -- likely in preparation for an upcoming permit-only hunting season. Thus, it now has no legal State protection (by the NCWRC).
|
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S1 |
| State Status |
[W2] |
| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
|
| subspecies |
|
| other_comName |
Wapiti |
| synonym |
Cervus canadensis |
