This Gallery contains photographs of wildlife and even a pet or two. Photographs where taken at Glacier National Park, National Ozark Riverways, The Great Smokey Mountains, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Local. (Click on Gil-bear to return to the main menu.)
Alpha Male Elk which is part of the reintroduction of Elk to the Great Smokey Mountains. The herd is approximately 100 strong although the group we stopped to photograph had about 10 members. I was standing by the road when a park ranger came over to me and stated I needed to move. He pointed behind me and this big guy was standing about 50 yds directly behind me with no intention of moving, so I graciously yielded to him. I was using a 300 mm lens and was unable to focus and get out of his way at the same time. This male crossed within 25-50 feet of me. Once he joined the small herd it was obvious he was the alpha and quickly ran off all contenders for his harem. This photo was taken at a pastures located next to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The main herd is located at Cataloochee.
Alpha Male Elk which is part of the reintroduction of Elk to the Great Smokey Mountains. The herd is approximately 100 strong although the group we stopped to photograph had about 10 members. I was standing by the road when a park ranger came over to me and stated I needed to move. He pointed behind me and this big guy was standing about 50 yds directly behind me with no intention of moving, so I graciously yielded to him. I was using a 300 mm lens and was unable to focus and get out of his way at the same time. This male crossed within 25-50 feet of me. Once he joined the small herd it was obvious he was the alpha and quickly ran off all contenders for his harem. This photo was taken at a pastures located next to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The main herd is located at Cataloochee.