Elk in Our Mountains of North Carolina
These majestic animals are the largest mammal in the state, and are easiest to see in early fall during their mating season.
Tag: mike dunn
Look, But Don’t Touch: Stinging Caterpillars of North Carolina
Get to know this small group of venomous insects that can irritate humans. They’re pretty cool-looking, too!
Flying Jewels: The Hummingbirds of Summer
Learn about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the only species of hummingbird that nests in the eastern United States.
The Floral Fireworks in Your Garden
Look around your yard this Fourth of July — you may find some plants that remind you of a brilliant fireworks display.
Walking on Water: The Wonders of Water Striders
A closer look at the floating bugs that glide along the surface of creeks and ponds — and the mysteries surrounding them.
Cheeky Chippies: Fun Facts About this Adorable Mammal
The Eastern Chipmunk can hold 60 sunflower seeds in its expandable cheek pouches and builds 10-foot-long tunnels.
Roanoke Ramblings: Paddling North Carolina’s Amazon
Traveling by canoe, this nature writer explores the rich, ecologically diverse area of our state’s swamplands.
Water Warriors: Meet the Rare Neuse River Waterdog
This unique and truly aquatic salamander is found only in the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River basins of North Carolina.
Swan Season: Majestic Birds Along the Coast
Each winter, thousands of tundra swans migrate to eastern North Carolina, where they spend time preening, resting, and eating.
Winter Greens: Finding Color in the Winter Woods
In this season of bare branches, discovering a green leaf or red berry is a delightful surprise — and a sign that spring isn’t far away.
The Pumpkin Spider: the Marbled Orb Weaver
These harmless but festive-looking arachnids are most often spotted around North Carolina in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
Bear Country: Sightings in our Coastal Plain Wildlife Refuges
While most consider the mountains the place to find black bears, our nature writer has had remarkable encounters with them along the coast.
Beach Birds: Take a Closer Look at your Surfside Companions
Birds and people alike love the beach! Learn how to identify our fine feathered friends on your next trip to North Carolina’s coast.
The Night Shift: The Beauty and Variety of North Carolina Moths
Move over lightning bugs — these winged creatures are the ones to watch for on summer evenings!