Elk were longtime residents of the Appalachian Mountains until Human overhunting extirpated them from the region in the late 1700’s. Recently, Efforts from Conservation Organizations and the Federal Government has worked to reintroduce this species throughout the Eastern US. In 2001, the National Park Service reintroduced 21 individuals to the Cataloochee Valley in Great Smokey Mountains National Park. This Herd now numbers near 200 individuals! These photos were taken on a recent trip to document their breeding season or rut, and the splendor that comes with it.