Great Smoky Mountains National Park is warning visitors to keep their distance from elk, with the animals currently experiencing their fall rut (or mating season). Several visitors have recently been injured after getting too close to elk, including one person who suffered an arm puncture over the weekend. The individual was also cited for violating park regulations.
Approaching elk is both dangerous and illegal in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors must remain at least 25 yards, or 75 feet, away from elk and must move farther back if their presence causes an animal to change its behavior.
Elk Can Become Aggressive During the Rut
Fall is one of the best times to see elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but the annual rut can make encounters particularly dangerous. Bull elk compete for dominance by clashing antlers and producing loud bugles across the park during this period, and elevated testosterone levels can cause bulls to become more defensive or aggressive toward perceived threats, including people, vehicles, and pets.
Cows can also become protective of their calves. Elk are the largest animals in the park, with bulls weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Despite their generally calm appearance, the animals can cause serious injuries when they feel threatened.
Visitors Urged to Follow Elk Safety Rules
The NPS is reminding visitors that it is their responsibility to maintain a safe distance from elk. If an elk approaches, visitors should calmly move away rather than allowing the animal to close the distance.
Several areas around Oconaluftee and Cataloochee are also closed to visitors during the rut. Visitors need to respect those closures and follow directions from rangers and volunteers. Drivers should remain especially cautious because elk and other wildlife frequently cross roadways. Visitors watching wildlife from their vehicles should use designated pull-offs and make sure their vehicles are completely off the roadway.