Elk herd in Smokies grows from 25 to 250+ in 25 years after reintroduction

In 2001, 25 elk were reintroduced to Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Kentucky, followed by 27 more from Canada in 2002.

Twenty-five years later, more than 250 elk have been recorded in the Smokies.

Wildlife experts and former rangers describe the reintroduction as a major conservation success, while the herd continues expanding into new areas.