A VISIT
TO CATALOOCHEE VALLEY
November 6-7,
2006
The
original 25 elk were brought in from Land Between the Lakes National
Recreation Area along the TN-KY border.
Elk were
elimated in the Smokies by over-hunting and loss of habitat.
Project
partners include Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Parks Canada, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Friends of Great
Smoky Mountains National Park, the U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division,
and the University of Tennessee.
All
of the partners and the many visitors to the park are hoping this program
will be successful. According to the Park Service, "If the elk
threaten park resources or create significant conflicts with park
visitors, the program may be halted".
The
best times to view elk are in the early morning and late evening. On
a cloudy day, like we had, they were in the meadows in the early
afternoon.
The
cows and calves were not in the same meadow with the bulls. The young
calves were intent upon eating and appeared to be more frightened of the
people than the adults.
I
could not find information about the natural increase of the herd since
2001 but these calves appeared to be quite young. A bull at maturity
weighs 600-700 pounds and cows average 500 pounds. Cows give birth
to only one calf per year and they weigh an average of 35 pounds.
This
young couple from Florida were enjoying the log bridge over
Cataloochee Creek
This
is the Caldwell House. Built by Hiram Caldwell in 1906. A
modern framed structure with weatherboarding and interior paneling.
The furniture was handmade in Crosby, TN.
This
view from the Caldwell Barn shows the beauty of the valley.