North Carolina Elk Update
Although I haven’t made it up there this summer to see the elk it’s good to read the latest report. My last update about the elk there was 10 calves born this spring. The Park had also taken extra steps by capturing and moving some bears out of the valley to give the calves a chance to grow up a bit before the bears returned. Well it appears to have worked because 8 of the 10 have made it and of those 4 of them are females. This is really good news and there is some speculation that some additional calves were born outside of the valley and not included in this count.
One other interesting part of this latest report is an update on the bulls.
The bulls of Cataloochee are still traveling together and with their antlers in full velvet they make quite a sight to see! There are several impressive racks in the group including a couple that are 6×6 and 7×7. Bull #17 looks to have the largest rack with eight points on each side. Bull #4 may have the most unique antlers (3×4), since both have a fairly large palmated formation at the top. Last year Bull #16 was the dominant bull of the Valley, but he has yet to return. It will be interesting to see if he can defend his title.
Unfortunately in 2006 we have documented the loss of one and possibly two adult elk. In March, Bull #25 was found dead near Heintooga Road. In May, Bull #1’s collar was found on a ridge surrounding Cataloochee Valley. The last sighting of him reports him in poor health and although no remains were found near the collar, it is likely that he died.
I haven’t been to see the elk this year either, but it’s great to hear they are doing well.
Comment by Lisa — August 18, 2006 @ 11:58 am
[...] If you get the opportunity you really should travel into the valley and check it out. Here is a link to an earlier post I did about the decline of the elk herd. [...]
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