Displaying items by tag: wildlife

RALEIGH — The N.C Wildlife Resources Commission is already seeing a spike in black bear reports this spring. This comes as no surprise since the state’s bear population has grown over the past 50 years and the residential footprint has grown. People are moving closer into bear habitat and creating increased opportunities for bears to approach their property, specifically by leaving out food sources.

RALEIGH — North Carolina airports report that birds and other wildlife strike aircraft an average of once a day. A wildlife hazard mitigation program operated by the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation aims to reduce the risk of wildlife hazards by providing training and support.

RALEIGH — Cute baby bunnies are a staple of Easter, but taking young rabbits out of your yard and into your home will likely do more harm than good. Well-meaning people often put young wildlife’s health in danger when they intervene in a wild animal’s natural process of growing up.

RALEIGH — As opening day of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters approaches (April 2), wildlife biologists at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are asking the public, particularly anglers, to report sightings of mudpuppies and hellbenders to the agency. Both species of aquatic salamanders are found in western North Carolina.

RALEIGH — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources recently released partial Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance results for the 2021-22 hunting season.

RALEIGH — If you suspect bats may be living in your home, biologists at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission ask that you relocate them responsibly before pup rearing season begins on May 1.

RALEIGH — Biologists at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission say if you find a bear den, leave it alone.  Black bears are very resourceful in finding places to shelter late December through April as cold weather lingers and cubs are born. Dens may be found in rock cavities, brush piles, tree cavities, excavations under fallen trees, ground nests, under decks and in crawlspaces. As a result, you may stumble upon a bear den anytime time you are outdoors, whether hiking, working in your yard, cutting firewood or enjoying outdoor activities.

RALEIGH — Officials with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission recognized Duane Raver as the 2021 recipient of the Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award at its business meeting Thursday. It was awarded posthumously to Raver, one of the first fisheries biologists hired at the newly formed Wildlife Commission in 1950, and former editor of the agency’s outdoor recreation magazine, Wildlife in North Carolina. The award recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to wildlife diversity in North Carolina and who are considered leaders in wildlife conservation.

RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking nominations through April 30 for expert and at-large seats on its Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee — a board of North Carolina citizens that provides advice to the Wildlife Commission on nongame wildlife conservation issues across the state.

FAYETTEVILLE — The Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville released its March schedule, which includes both in-person and virtual classes. The education center is managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Each course is led by Wildlife Commission staff or trained volunteers. Most events are free, and a North Carolina fishing license is not required.