Elk Rutting 101
Following the 2001 reintroduction of elk to Western North Carolina, about 140 elk now wander the region, including some 70 to 90 within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Timed to the fall foliage, the annual elk rut (breeding season) makes one of the most spectacular and popular times to visit the Smokies.
From the beginning of September through the end of October and into early November, it’s common to see 900-plus-pound elk bulls sparring each other, antler to antler, in dramatic displays of ritualistic aggression in the fields of Cataloochee Valley and near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
“During the rut, male testosterone levels are through the roof—they barely eat or sleep and can lose up to 20 percent of their body weight,” says park wildlife biologist Joe Yarkovich. “They’re trying to keep track of all the females and to keep them rounded up in their harems until it’s time to breed.” The high-pitched squeal of their bugle echoes off the valley walls and can be heard from over a mile away.
To make the most out of a park visit during this unique time of year, Yarkovich breaks down the visitor experience.
Where: The fields at Cataloochee and Oconaluftee are closed to visitors during the rut for safety reasons, but parking along the road still allows close encounters. Bring binoculars and a telephoto camera lens for zoomed-in views.
Who: Anywhere from 125,000 to 225,000 vehicles visit Cataloochee each year, with the highest count in October. Still, a constant flow of people in and out tends to keep traffic moving, Yarkovich says.
When: Elk activity starts picking up at the end of August, as the bull testosterone starts to rise. According to Yarkovich, visitors are just about guaranteed to see some rutting action by late September and early October. Elk tend to disappear into the woods at daylight and emerge in the fields in the late afternoon or early evening. “Our general rule is that two to three hours before dark is your best window to see elk,” says Yarkovich.
Safety: Wildlife watchers should stay next to or near their cars. It’s illegal to approach any bear or elk within 50 yards, and faking wildlife calls are considered harassment and prohibited within the park. Never feed the animals, whether intentionally or unintentionally (in other words, clean up those crumbs). And what to do in the rare occurrence of a charging elk? Duck, don’t run. “Put a large object between you and the animal,” Yarkovich says. “They can run a lot faster than you can.”