“Bottoms up Buttercup”

“Bottoms up Buttercup”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

On our trip back to Tennessee after Thanksgiving 2020, I wanted to stop at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, to photograph the elk. When we arrived, the elk came out of the woods towards the large open field—they were everywhere! 

Some of the bulls had ginormous racks, while others had tiny ones. One fairly large calf knelt by his mom and nursed. It was neat to witness. 

We made a full evening out of our adventure. After leaving the elk, we went to Newfound Gap and attempted to photograph the sun, but it decided to hide behind the clouds.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee, North Carolina

No Bull

“No Bull”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

If you’ve never had the chance to see the elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, you need to go. The elk roam and graze in the fields and sometimes cross the Oconaluftee River—which make for great photography! Male elk are called a bulls and can weigh up to 800 pounds and carry huge antlers.

Elk were reintroduced to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001. The original elk were overhunted by the settlers which lead to their demise.  

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cherokee, North Carolina

No Name

 

"No Name"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

 

While on vacation, I visited the Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to view the wild elk there.  I spoke to a ranger there, and she told me this particular elk's name was "No Name."  When he was born, I guess they did not catch him in time to tag him or give him a collar.  I liked it because it made for a better photograph.

 

The elk were reintroduced to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001.  Twenty-five elk were first brought in and another 27 in 2002. 

Location: Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina - Great Smoky Mountains National Park