Elk

The Eastern Elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) subspecies was native to the forest and forest-edge habitats of Arkansas. Historical records indicate that this subspecies was extirpated from the state by the 1840s and extinct by the end of that century. Over hunting, habitat destruction, and competition for food with domestic livestock are the most likely causes for its disappearance.

In 1981, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission began an Elk Restoration Project and stocked 112 Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) in the Buffalo National River area.
Reintroduction restores a native large herbivore to the ecosystem which in turn restores habitat for other plants and animals. 
Elk also provide recreational value, both for those who prefer to watch wildlife as well as those who hunt elk.
Buffalo National River provides suitable habitat for elk and the herd now numbers nearly 500 animals. The most promising place to view elk is at Boxley Valley. The herd can often be seen in mornings and evenings in the fields near the highway. During cool fall evenings, bugling males, called bulls, are heard attempting to attract the females, known as cows.