Saturday, August 16, 2014

The Elk Who Stopped Traffic

Elk were released into the Great Smoky National Park in 2001 to help preserve their species. During our trip there last fall, I had hoped we would see a few of them- and we did...

During our drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, my hubby said, "I see something moving ahead". As we drew closer, we realized it was Elk. They were coming down from the mountains through the forest, looking to graze in the open fields across the road. The bull elk was huge and made it known that HE was in charge. He stopped dead center in the road then turned and waited for the does to make it across the road. When they caught up with him, he let out a loud squealing sound, often call "bugling"...the mating call of the bull elk.

Leader of the pack
He is patiently waiting...
for his groupies to cross the road
He lets out an ear-piercing rebel yell
and watches over the does as they graze in the open field

It's clear who's the boss, isn't it?  :)  This was our first time to see Elk in the national park since their release and I was grateful that we just happened to be at the right place, at the right time.  

Linked with Eileen on Saturday's Critters
Thanks, Eileen for being a super host for this fun meme!


34 comments:

  1. What a lovely creatures ! Great photos !

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    1. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog, Ela.

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  2. How cool! I do hope they make themselves at home!

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    1. I hope they invite their friends next summer :)

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  3. Susan, awesome series on the Elk..That male looks in charge for sure.. a great sight to see! Thank you for sharing your post with Saturday's Critters..Have a happy weekend!

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    1. He's definitely the boss ;) Thank you for commenting, Eileen!

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  4. made me smile; great to see via your photos

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    1. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog, Carole!

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  5. Hello Susan

    What an encounter! You were in the right place at the right time!
    He is massive - he looks even taller than those cars - and what a presence he commands!
    Great photos - thank you!

    Shane

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    1. He was quite taller than the cars, Shane. A big one, for sure!

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  6. He's a great leader. Great shots.
    www.1sthappyfamily.com/2014/08/recent-look.html

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    1. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog, Lina!

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  7. They really are magnificent aren't they? Great photos!

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  8. Oh my! That elk truly did take command of the situation, didn't he? What a great photo op for you!

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    1. Yes it was a fantastic photo op...I was more than excited!

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  9. He's a handsome fellow. Beautiful shots of these beautiful animals.

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  10. beautiful creatures,glad you were able to see them up close,Phyllis

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  11. Yes, he is in charge of the girls and traffic!

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  12. Beautiful animals. What a wonderful sight!

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  13. Replies
    1. It was a wonderful experience. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog!

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  14. Oh, they keep a close eye on their harems!!!!...:)JP

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  15. LUCKY!!!! What a treat! Nice captures. Thanks for sharing your photos.

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  16. My daughter and I had a male elk cross the road very slowly in front of us one dusk near Show Low AZ. Both our chins were on the floorboards! We couldn't believe how HUGE he was!!!! It was an amazing experience! You got some great photos! Love these here in the Smokies!

    Elk was one animal I was hoping we would see on our trip...and we did! Not this experience, but we were happy! I'll be posting that much later.

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