Smokies Wildlife

I saw many elk in Smoky Mountain National Park last week, and because they had little fear of humans I got to see them up very close. Here is a sampling of other creatures I saw on my hikes and drives.

Some sort of golden bee



A mama wild turkey and her 8 babies


A very big Daddy Long Leg

The squirrels didn't fear people, either. This one hangs out at the Alum Caves Bluff Overlook.

Saw this huge beetle in the parking lot of a nearby gas station. 

Best of show: this massive elk only a few feet away when I was hiking. I was not supposed to be this close, according to the rangers, so I scooted (after taking a bunch of photos.)

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