• If you make the trip into the Cataloochee Valley, remember to pull your vehicle off of the road when viewing wildlife, as it is becoming increasingly busy and traffic can congest quickly on the narrow road.

• Remember that the elk are at an especially agitated state right now with the pressures of the mating season, and they can become aggressive suddenly. Remain in or near your vehicle at all times in the presence of elk and do not approach them!

• Bring binoculars or zoom lenses. Approaching wildlife within 50 yards or any distance that disturbs them is illegal and dangerous. Even seemingly calm elk can be very unpredictable and defend themselves or their young if they perceive a threat. Binoculars and zoom lenses can help you view the elk and get great pictures without disturbing them.

• Be very mindful of your food and clean up after yourself. Not only is feeding wildlife illegal, but once an elk is accustomed to human food its lifespan is typically significantly shorter for several reasons. Elk can quickly become nuisance animals and pose serious threats to human safety. Human food can also lead to rumen acidosis or other digestive problems that can kill elk. Whether someone intentionally throws food to an elk or they forget to pick up their peanut hulls or chicken skins when they picnic in elk country, they are endangering the well being of all of the elk and other visitors alike.

• Stay in or close to your vehicle when elk are nearby. When you drive the road in Cataloochee or Oconaluftee, the elk are never very far away. We ask that visitors remain on the roadway when elk are in the fields. Viewing elk near your vehicle can provide you with a safe place to retreat to should one approach you. Also, please do not stop or park in the road. Rather, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road whenever possible to allow other traffic to flow freely.

• Be patient. Whether you are trying to get that picture perfect elk moment on film or just take a scenic drive through Cataloochee Valley patience is the key to everyone enjoying their time here.