2.4K reactions · 386 shares |  Have you seen the elk in Cherokee, NC? Once nearly extinct, these majestic creatures are commonly seen strolling and grazing the fields surrounding the Oconoluftee Visitor Center in the Smoky Mountains. ⛰️ Click this link to make your plans to visit them! https://jax.onl/Elk-in-Cherokee | North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva | Facebook

Currently, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission estimates there are between 150 – 200 elk residing in North Carolina on public land, private land, and within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We hope you enjoy this relaxing video of an elk savoring a pleasant afternoon of lounging and snacks. | NC Wildlife Resources Commission

The Eastern Elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) once roamed throughout the eastern United States, including parts of North Carolina. After the arrival of European settlers, however, unregulated hunting and loss of habitat led to rapid population declines through the 1700s. By the year 1800, the Eastern Elk was extirpated from North Carolina and by the mid-1800s, Eastern Elk had almost disappeared throughout their range entirely. The last known wild Eastern Elk was killed in in Pennsylvania in 1877.