Spike
A spike elk is a young male elk that has not yet grown a fully developed set of antlers.
Spike elks are typically 2 to 3 years old and are still growing and developing. As they mature, they will grow larger and more elaborate antler structures, until they reach full maturity at 5 to 6 years old.
The alpha male keeps other adult male elk away, though they usually allow the younger spikes to remain with the herd.
The park’s elk restoration program began in Cataloochee Valley in 2001 with the release of 25 elk, followed by the release of another 27 elk in 2002. The first batch of elk came from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and the second were brought in from Elk Island National Park in Alberta, Canada.
Over the years the elk have spread to other areas including close to the Visitor Center in Cherokee NC, about 40 miles away.