The antlers, which are rich in calcium, are quickly eaten by rodents and other animals. After they have shed their antlers, elk immediately begin growing new ones. Male elk roll in mud wallows to keep cool and avoid insect pests. Calves have lost their spots by summer's end. Their calls may be heard a mile or more away.
Large bulls use their antlers to intimidate and spar with other males.
Long guard hairs on the top repel water and a soft, wooly underfur keeps them warm. Elk may move from the high country to valleys to feed. Elk may travel beyond the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in search of new territories. Most non-cropland adjacent to the park is designated as elk buffer zone. If elk move onto these lands but do not come into conflict with private property or the public, no action will be taken.