Bob Long laying out data plot for habitat evaluation in Smokies

Evaluating cover in Smokies

Collecting data on distance from cover

Flying out to view release of Kentucky herd

Seven hundred visitors gather to witness the historic return of elk to the Smokies

The elk have arrived and await their release into the acclimation pen in the Cataloochee Valley

Visitors gather around the acclimation pen to see the release of the first elk in the smokies since thir extirpation more than 150 years ago.

Elk look over new home in Smokies

Mature cow at home in Cataloochee Valley, NC

Large bull with his harem in late fall

Visitors viewing elk in Cattaloochee Valley, NC

Bachelor bulls near Cataloochee ranger station

Bull bugles to challenge other bulls in area

Three young bulls resting in meadows of Cataloochee Valley

Bull near old barn in Cattaloochee Valley

Bulls graze to put on fat in fall

"The mission of the Extirpated Species Foundation shall be the facilitation of efforts to repatriate locally extinct species of indigenous animals and plants for the enjoyment of future generations."

Huge bull near Cherokee, NC

Cherokee bull #22

Successful calf crop in 2006

Billboard near Waynesville, NC declares "the elk are back.!"