An Elk, photographed in Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Until the 1700’s, Elk were a common sight in North Carolina and the Appalachian Mountains.
For the past 300 years, they haven’t existed as they were recklessly hunted. But, in 2001 the Great Smoky Mountains National Park began a re-introduction program that has been quite successful and you are able to potentially see Elk living in the wild once again in North Carolina.
One place they tend to stay is in the Cataloochee Valley area of the park, near the historic Palmer Church and Palmer Place House.
These are the biggest animals in the national park, surpassing the black bears in size, so be careful and keep a distance!
This week has been declared National Wildlife Week in the US, by the National Wildlife Federation.
Since National Wildlife Week in Canada isn’t until next month, it means I get to do two ‘wild week’ posts, with this one focusing only on animals I’ve photographed in the USA.
Taking a quick count, it seems I’ve been to around 30 different American states. As far as wildlife goes I enjoyed Utah, Wyoming and Florida the most. From Yellowstone to the Everglades, here are seven wildlife photos in honour of National Wildlife Week, enjoy!
Elk Photographed in Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina
An Alligator walking past Vultures near the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades, Florida
Coyote photographed east of Mammoth, Wyoming
Harbor Seal lounging around at La Jolla Cove, California
Moose wading in a Watering Hole, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A Thirsty Bison, photographed in Yellowstone National Park
Mule Deer outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
