Elk habitat selection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elizabeth Hillard; Laura E. DeWald

Treesearch

Elk habitat selection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Elizabeth Hillard, Laura E. DeWald

Year:

2014

Type:

Abstract

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

In: Groninger, John W.; Holzmueller, Eric J.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; Dey, Daniel C., eds. Proceedings, 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2014 March 10-12; Carbondale, IL. General Technical Report NRS-P-142. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 104.

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Abstract

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) in North Carolina and Tennessee now has an established elk (Cervus elaphus) population 10 years after reintroduction. Although elk typically elect more open habitat, elk in GSMNP are showing they are capable of doing well in predominantly forested habitats. Evaluating how the established herd of elk is using forested areas in GSMNP is important for the health and management of the elk, and for the protection of the diverse flora within the park.

Parent Publication

Proceedings 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference

Citation

Hillard, Elizabeth; DeWald, Laura E. 2014. Elk habitat selection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In: Groninger, John W.; Holzmueller, Eric J.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; Dey, Daniel C., eds. Proceedings, 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2014 March 10-12; Carbondale, IL. General Technical Report NRS-P-142. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 104.