Topics Related to Conservation
It’s rare to spot an Appalachian cottontail rabbit in the wild. They live in the high elevations and steep topography of the western North Carolina mountains and are easily confused with their slightly larger close cousin, the Eastern cottontail rabbit. They’re also:
As we settle into the new year, not only do our resolutions fade away, but so do the memories of the pyrotechnic grand finales that rang in 2023.But for landowners who are interested in habitat improvement, this is a great time to see fire work on their property. Prescribed burning is a critical tool to manage declining habitat types across the state, and it benefits species of greatest conservation need, which rely on these habitats.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking nominations for its Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award. This prestigious honor recognizes meaningful contributions of an individual or organization that benefit North Carolina’s small game populations and/or small game habitat. This includes efforts in habitat management, education and research. In some cases, small game, such as bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, squirrel, rabbit, benefit significantly from efforts focused on non-game or other species with similar habitat requirements.
North Carolina is home to two new species of crayfish found only in Wilkes and Watauga counties in North Carolina – and nowhere else in the world. The species, the Stony Fork crayfish (Cambarus lapidosus) and the Falls crayfish (Cambarus burchfielae) are named for the small Yadkin River tributaries where they were first discovered. NCWRC biologists Michael Perkins and William Russ, along with NC Museum of Natural Sciences researcher Bronwyn Williams, published the study in late April in the journal Zootaxa. North Carolina now has 51 species of crayfish known from the state.
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, the North Carolina Wildlife Commission (Commission) was contacted regarding a black bear suffering from injuries due to a collision with a motor vehicle on I-240 East near Montford Avenue in Asheville. The most humane option given the extent of injuries it sustained was to euthanize the bear.In the case of vehicle collision or other situations where a bear is injured, Commission staff will investigate and exercise one of the following options:
It’s a busy time of year for the North Carolina hunting community. Blackpowder and gun deer hunting seasons begin this month, as well as duck, bear, small game and other hunting seasons. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds hunters of the following firearm safety tips.
The Rescue EffortA cold front that moved through North Carolina in late November created cold-water conditions that led to 12 smaller sea turtles becoming cold-stunned (similar to hypothermia) in Pamlico Sound.