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NCWF honors individuals, associations, businesses who have exhibited an unwavering commitment to conservation.
NCWF must always be seated at the table, speaking and working for wildlife and habitat and those who enjoy them.
Since 1945, North Carolina Wildlife Federation has worked for all wildlife and habitat bringing together citizens, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and anglers, government and industry to protect North Carolina’s natural resources. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, our non-profit 501c3 organization is made up of people who value wildlife and wild places and the many ways to enjoy them.
Engaging the natural world is a cornerstone of NCWF history and philosophy. Supporting access to wild places and opportunities to enjoy them is a defining feature of our organization. We work collectively for the places and species that have no voice through our policy and protection work, research and education and direct hands-on conservation projects.
All our policy decisions and conservation projects are based on the best available science and fortified by a network representing a variety of wildlife and outdoor interests.

Stevens Creek Habitat Workday (Waynesville)

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Kids in Nature Day

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NCWF In The Field

Wildlife Scavengers: Nature’s Cleanup Crews

Stranger Than Fiction: Reframing the “Weird” and “Disturbing” in Wildlife

Restoring and Connecting Habitat Where Wildlife Needs it Most

Moths: The Night Shift of Pollination

Working the Night Shift

A Landmark Victory for North Carolina’s Fisheries: Court rules North Carolina violated legal duty to protect coastal fisheries

New Red Wolf Litters Offer Hope While Highlighting the Need for Connected Habitat

The Future is Wild: NCWF’s 2026 Scholarship Winners

Thomas Bell

Luke Bennett

Julie Brown

Mary Bures

Dr. Louis Daniel

Matt Flint

Manley Fuller

Tim Gestwicki

Kate Greiner

Fred Harris

Cameron Ingram

John Isenhour

Lacy Kegley

Lauren Manfreda

Brian Myers

Laura Neitzey

T. Edward Nickens

Alden Picard

Katerina Ramos

Dr. Liz Rutledge

Greta Salem

John Ann Shearer

Carrie Smith

Kara Solomon

Emily Strongin

Lisa Synoradzki

Page Turner

Bates Whitaker

Steve Williams

Governors Conservation Awards

Academics Afield

Congratulations to Josh Purvis, winner of the Youth category with his photo of a Great Blue Heron! Josh shares what made capturing this snowy wildlife moment so memorable: “Being able to capture one of my favorite water birds on a rare snowy day close to home was an unforgettable experience!”

The people have spoken! 🎉 Congratulations to Joshua Simpson, winner of the People's Choice category, for this incredible photo of roseate spoonbills captured in Wilmington, NC! While roseate spoonbills are typically found farther south, they do make occasional appearances in North Carolina, particularly in the southeastern part of the state. Joshua shares the story behind this perfectly timed shot: 👇 “I found three of them by a pond in Airlie Gardens on a large branch taking a post-breakfast nap. It was an interesting sight but not great photography material. So, I stood there with my camera patiently waiting for several hours. Finally, I got lucky when a fourth bird came flying along and decided the other birds needed to make room for him on the branch. The resulting kerfuffle is when I snapped this photo. It was well worth the wait!” 👏 Congratulations, Joshua, and thank you to everyone who voted!

Hundreds, sometimes THOUSANDS, of birds. One chimney! 😮 These fascinating birds spend much of their lives in flight and rely on chimneys for nesting and communal roosting. Historically, they nested and roosted in hollow trees, but as old-growth forests were cleared, many adapted to using chimneys as a substitute habitat. Today, Chimney Swifts face growing challenges from habitat loss, development, and the removal of chimneys. This video is of an abandoned Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools building that has become an important nesting and roosting site for these birds, highlighting why preserving existing chimneys can make a real difference for wildlife. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation is working with community partners to raise awareness about Chimney Swifts and the importance of protecting their habitat. By understanding their needs and working together, we can help these remarkable birds continue to thrive in North Carolina.

Congratulations to Blaine Winford, winner of the Wildlife Video category! Blaine shares how experimenting with slow-motion video helped him capture a pelican's fascinating gular flutter behavior: “It had taken awhile for me to pick up indicators that a pelican is about to perform a gular flutter. Up until this point, I had mostly been satisfied with still images of the behavior. I started doing a bit more experimentation with slow motion video, and of course, a light came on.”

What do chimney swifts, beavers, and elk have in common? They all have their own ways of living together! From families that work as a team to massive gatherings of birds and herds that change with the seasons, North Carolina wildlife has some fascinating social behaviors. This November, we're exploring the flocks, families, and colonies of the natural world, and why these connections matter. Read our latest blog to discover how wildlife thrives in communities. 👇 https://ncwf.org/blog/communal-wildlife/

Think bats are spooky? Think again! 🎃🦇 Bats in NC are anything but scary. They’re vital for our ecosystems! From controlling insects to spreading seeds and pollen, these nocturnal marvels keep our forests and gardens healthy. Only a few bats worldwide drink blood, and none of them are in NC! Most of our 17 local species eat insects, live long lives, and raise just one pup per year in maternity colonies. This Halloween, celebrate the real superheroes of the night: our bats. Want to help? Put up a bat house or simply enjoy watching these amazing creatures flit through the sky. #NCWildlife #BatsOfNC #HalloweenWildlife

Congratulations to Anthony Colburn, winner of the Scenes of North Carolina category! Anthony shares the story behind his winning photograph and how he captured the movement of fall leaves swirling beneath a waterfall: 👇 “This is the lower waterfall in Blowing Rock State Park. The pool below the waterfall swirls around the pool under a base of rock. The leaves dropped in the fall follow the current around the pool until they either fall to the bottom of the pool or are swept away by the current. The exposure for the was about one minute to allow the leaves time to travel around the pool.”

Some wasps have a reproductive strategy that sounds straight out of a science fiction movie. 👀 Known as parasitoids, certain species lay their eggs on or inside caterpillars and spiders. As the larvae develop, they feed on their host, eventually killing it. As unsettling as that sounds, it's a natural reproductive strategy that helps ensure the next generation of wasps survives. Nature has some pretty wild plot twists!

Congratulations to Jerry Batchelor, winner of the Critters category! Jerry shares the unexpected moment behind his winning photograph: 👇 “I had traveled to Alligator River Wildlife Refuge in eastern NC in hopes of photographing some bears and maybe get a good shot of a red wolf. I was standing with my wife looking out over an open area when I caught movement on my left side. The otter was running almost straight towards me trying to get to the canal with his meal. I was able to get six or seven quick shots by the time he disappeared in the water. Sometimes, you just get lucky and happen to be at the right place at the right time. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I was using a Canon R5 with a 100-500 lens.”

It's YOUR turn to vote! With so many incredible submissions to this year's NCWF Wildlife Photography Contest, we couldn't resist giving you a chance to weigh in! Our judges have narrowed down the selections, and now we're handing the voting over to you. Take a look at the finalists and vote for your top 3 favorite wildlife photos in our People's Choice contest! But don't wait! Voting closes Monday, Nov. 2. 👉 Vote here: https://ncwf.org/photo-contest/2026-peoples-choice/

Forget vampires. North Carolina has its own bloodsuckers. 🦟 Did you know that only female mosquitoes drink blood, using the nutrients to help develop their eggs? Their saliva even contains specialized enzymes that prevent blood from clotting, helping them feed without being noticed. Mosquitoes play an important role in the food web, providing food for birds, bats, fish, and amphibians. Not exactly the vampires of Halloween lore, but fascinating nonetheless!

After nearly 1,000 submissions, the winners have been chosen! 📸🏆 North Carolina Wildlife Federation's 8th Annual Wildlife Photography and Videography Contest brought together incredible images and videos showcasing the wildlife and natural beauty found across our state. Congratulations to this year's winners and honorable mentions, and thank you to everyone who shared their talent and love for North Carolina's wildlife! Explore this year's winners through the link below. 👇 https://ncwf.org/blog/8th-annual-photo-contest/ And stay tuned! Throughout October and November, we'll be spotlighting each winner and sharing the stories behind their work.

Want to do more for wildlife right where you live? 🌿 Across North Carolina, NCWF Community Wildlife Chapters bring together people who care about wildlife and habitat and turn that passion into action. Birders, gardeners, anglers, hunters, hikers, backpackers, and wildlife enthusiasts of all kinds come together for nature programs, field trips, hands-on habitat projects, and other conservation efforts in their communities. Find a chapter near you: https://ncwf.org/community-wildlife-chapter/

Talk about a complicated love life. 😉❤️ In some praying mantis species, mating can come with an unexpected twist: cannibalism. One partner may consume the other during or after mating, providing valuable nutrients that help support egg production. While it might seem shocking to us, it's one of nature's more unusual reproductive strategies.

Fun fact: One of Hollywood’s most famous creatures borrowed a feature from real wildlife. The Xenomorph in the horror movie, Alien, features a pharyngeal jaw directly modeled on the hydraulic, snapping jaws of moray eels. You may have heard of biomimicry, the practice of learning from nature’s strategies and designs to solve human challenges. When those same kinds of real-world wildlife adaptations inspire fictional creatures, it’s known as biomimetic design. While it makes for captivating movie monsters, it can also contribute to fear or misunderstanding of the real wildlife behind those traits. In nature, these seemingly outlandish features are adaptations that help wildlife survive. Looking at this photo, can you see where the inspiration came from? 👀

North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Habitat Steward Training Certification Program is designed to help you build the knowledge and skills to protect, conserve, and restore habitat for local wildlife. Join us in Waynesville for three days of learning from conservation experts, exploring wildlife habitat topics, and discovering ways to put that knowledge into action. 📍 Waynesville, NC 📅 November 6–8 💲 $85 registration, scholarships available ⏰ Application deadline: October 18 Hosted in partnership with Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch, an NCWF Community Wildlife Chapter. Learn more and apply: https://forms.gle/bCvYwVB67ZYCcWRF7

What do regrowing limbs, playing dead, chemical defenses, and blood-feeding have in common? 👀 They may sound like something out of a horror movie, but they’re very real adaptations found in wildlife. From Eastern newts that can regenerate lost body parts to opossums whose “playing dead” response is actually involuntary, some of the behaviors we find strange or unsettling serve an important purpose: survival. This October, we’re taking a closer look at the wildlife we sometimes misunderstand and the remarkable adaptations behind their reputations. Visit our blog to explore six wildlife behaviors that prove nature really can be stranger than fiction: https://ncwf.org/blog/weird-wildlife/

September was a busy month in the field! NCWF staff and Community Wildlife Chapters connected 2,243 people to nature through 65 wildlife and habitat events and activities across North Carolina. From swift watch parties and bird banding to native plantings, invasive species removals, and Hawk Watch events, staff and volunteers were out across the state learning about wildlife, restoring habitat, and putting conservation into action. One especially big impact: nearly 14 acres of invasive species were cleared, helping make room for healthier native habitat! Thank you to everyone who showed up, got their hands dirty, and helped make a difference for North Carolina wildlife. Read the full blog here: https://ncwf.org/blog/ncwf-in-the-field-september-2026/

There’s a reason most predators learn to give striped skunks some space. 🦨 When threatened, striped skunks can accurately spray a sulfur-rich musk at predators from up to 10–15 feet away. The smell can linger for weeks, making it a pretty effective lesson in keeping your distance. It may be the trait skunks are most famous for, but it’s really an impressive defense adaptation designed to help them protect themselves without relying solely on claws or teeth.

Imagine losing a limb and simply… growing another one. 👀 For some North Carolina wildlife, this is an incredible survival adaptation. Eastern newts can regenerate entire limbs and tails, as well as eyes and even parts of their heart and brain tissue. And they aren’t alone. Crayfish and crabs can replace lost claws during future molts, while spiders can regrow missing legs over time. No science fiction required. Nature has been doing it all along.

The opossum deserves better PR. Yes, they raid garbage cans. They hiss when they feel threatened. And their tendency to “play dead” probably hasn’t done much for their reputation. But there’s a lot more to Virginia opossums than meets the eye. 👀 They feed on snails, mice, cockroaches, slugs, and other small animals. And they’re remarkably resistant to the venom of North Carolina’s venomous snakes and have even been known to eat copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. One thing they get blamed for? Seeing one during the day doesn’t mean it has rabies. Maybe one of North Carolina’s most misunderstood neighbors deserves a second look. What do you think?

Which wildlife species do you think is the most understood? 🤔 This October, we’re giving some of North Carolina’s more misunderstood wildlife a second look and separating fact from fiction along the way. So let’s start with you: Which wildlife species do you think deserves a better reputation? Tell us in the comments. 👇

Want to experience North Carolina’s Night Shift for yourself? Thankfully, you don’t have to venture deep into the woods at midnight. Take a quiet walk along an established trail or spend some time in your own yard. Listen for owls and frogs, look for bats overhead, and watch for movement along the edges of fields, forests, and ponds. A few things to keep in mind: 👇 ▪️Keep artificial light to a minimum. ▪️Avoid shining a flashlight directly at wildlife. ▪️Give animals plenty of space. ▪️Don’t approach, feed, bait, or handle wildlife. ▪️If an animal changes its behavior because of your presence, give it more distance.

Ever notice how some nighttime wildlife seem to have really big eyes? There’s a reason for that. 👀 Many nocturnal species have large eyes and pupils that allow more light to enter, helping them see and navigate in low-light conditions.

August was another busy month in the field! NCWF staff and Community Wildlife Chapters connected 1,328 people to nature through 50 wildlife and habitat events and activities across North Carolina. Along the way, teams helped clear nearly 3 acres of invasive species, hosted everything from moth nights and community science projects to snorkel events, and introduced participants to wildlife like chimney swifts, tangerine darters, and some pretty extraordinary pollinators. From the Blue Ridge to the Albemarle Sound, thank you to everyone who showed up, got involved, and helped make a difference for wildlife and habitat this August. Read more at the link: https://ncwf.org/blog/in-the-field-august-2026/

Some moths have specialized ears that can detect the echolocation calls of bats.🦇 Pretty wild for an insect we usually think of as just fluttering around a porch light. 😉 Learn more at the link: https://ncwf.org/blog/moth/

Looking for a reason to get the kids outside? Kids in Nature Day is coming to Lake Benson Park in Garner with an afternoon full of hands-on ways for families to explore and learn about the outdoors. There will be 20+ interactive exhibits, live animals, pond exploration, a scavenger hunt, nature games and crafts, live acoustic music, participation prizes and more. 📅 Saturday, October 10 ⏰ 1–4 PM 📍 Lake Benson Park, Garner 🌧️ Rain date: Sunday, October 11 🎟️ Free event NCWF will be there alongside organizations from across the state helping kids discover just how much there is to explore in nature. Come see us! Register here: 👇 https://southwakeconservationists.org/2026/08/05/kids-in-nature-day-oct-10th/

When the sun goes down, wildlife finds other ways to navigate. For some, it’s exceptional hearing. For others, it’s echolocation, smell, or touch. These heightened senses help North Carolina’s nocturnal wildlife find food, avoid obstacles, and move through the dark.

Evening bats may be small, but they come with some serious skills. 🦇 At just 3–4 inches long, these bats use echolocation to help find prey and dodge obstacles as they loop through the sky after dark. And they stay busy: a colony of 100 evening bats can consume more than 1.25 million insects in a single season. Tiny bat. Very impressive résumé.

What’s one simple way to help NC’s Night Shift? Turn off the lights. Artificial light can interfere with the behavior and safety of nocturnal wildlife. When outdoor lighting isn’t needed, switching it off helps preserve the darkness these species depend on. Sometimes helping wildlife really is as easy as flipping a switch.

Want to experience NC's Night Shift for yourself? Moth nights, bat nights, frog walks, and other nighttime activities offer a chance to discover wildlife we often miss during the day. You can even try a moth night at home with a white sheet and a light, then sit back and see who shows up. Stay up to date on NCWF’s event calendar for upcoming opportunities to explore wildlife after dark. 👇 https://ncwf.org/events/

BUILT FOR THE NIGHT SHIFT Owls have a few tricks up their feathers. 🦉 Large eyes → collect more available light Sensitive hearing → helps locate prey Specialized feathers → allow nearly silent flight

Ever caught the glow of an animal’s eyes in the dark? You may be seeing the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina that acts like a mirror, reflecting light back through the eye and helping animals see in very dim conditions. White-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, black bears, coyotes, and alligators are among the wildlife species with this nighttime adaptation. Pretty handy when you work the night shift. 🌙

Wildlife has a schedule, too. From early risers to night owls (literally), there are seven different categories used to describe when wildlife is most active. And those schedules aren’t always set in stone. Season, temperature, food availability, predators, habitat, and even human activity can all influence when wildlife is on the move. Which of these terms is new to you?

When the squirrels you see all day call it a night, another shift is just getting started. North Carolina’s two flying squirrel species, Carolina northern flying squirrels and southern flying squirrels, are nocturnal, spending their active hours after dark and much of their time high in the tree canopy. The Carolina northern flying squirrel is also federally and state listed as Endangered, making this member of the night shift one worth knowing and protecting.

Finish the sentence: You know it’s nighttime in North Carolina when you hear ________. 👇

Meet one of North Carolina’s night shift regulars. Virginia opossums may be known for their late-night appearances, but there’s a lot more to these nocturnal neighbors than meets the eye. They can climb. They can swim. They have opposable thumbs. And, perhaps most surprisingly, they’re remarkably resistant to the venom of North Carolina’s venomous snakes and have even been known to eat them. 🐍 Consider us impressed.

What happens in nature while most of us are sleeping? 🌙 A lot, actually. This September, we’re exploring North Carolina’s Night Shift, the wildlife that thrives after dark, and the fascinating adaptations that make nighttime life possible. Stay up with us. 👀 https://ncwf.org/blog/nocturnal-wildlife/

Last Call For Submissions! Entries are open through the end of TOMORROW, September 1, with all proceeds going to protecting, conserving and restoring wildlife throughout North Carolina. Whether you're a professional photographer, a weekend hobbyist, or just enjoy photographing NC's wildlife and natural landscapes, we'd love to see your work. This year's categories include: 🦌 Carolina Critters 🌄 Scenes of North Carolina 🦋 Pollinators & Insects 🎥 NEW! Wildlife Videos All the details can be found in the link: https://ncwf.org/photo-contest/

The future of wildlife conservation is in good hands. 🎓 Seven students have been awarded 2026 NCWF scholarships to support their studies and future careers in wildlife conservation. Meet this year’s scholarship recipients and learn more about the work they’re pursuing at the blog link. https://ncwf.org/blog/ncwfs-2026-scholarship-winners/

What if a wildlife corridor could start in your own backyard? 🦋 Butterflies and other pollinators need places to stop, feed, reproduce, and continue moving across the landscape. That’s the idea behind the Butterfly Highway, a network of pollinator-friendly spaces across North Carolina that helps connect habitat from one place to the next. One garden may feel small. But connected with thousands of others? It becomes part of something much bigger!

You know the one. You could see it 100 times and you're still stopping to look. 👀 What North Carolina wildlife sighting gets you every time? Tell us below!

BREAKING: A landmark victory for North Carolina’s coastal fisheries. After a multi-week trial, a Wake County Superior Court judge has ruled that the State of North Carolina failed to meet its constitutional obligation to protect the state’s fisheries. The decision marks an important turning point for our coastal wildlife, fisheries, and the North Carolinians who depend on these public resources. Read more about the ruling and what comes next at the link. 👇 https://ncwf.org/blog/fisheries-lawsuit/

You might drive right over this without ever noticing it. 👀 Wildlife crossings can be overpasses, underpasses, or even culverts that give animals a safer route around traffic. Read more at the blog: https://ncwf.org/blog/wildlife-crossings/

It’s not always easy being green... 🐸 Especially when there’s a highway in the way. One year of surveys along stretches of U.S. 64 and U.S. 264 documented 1,529 frogs from 11 species killed on the road. A big reminder that smaller species need safe passage, too. Read more about the survey here: https://ncwf.org/blog/wildlife-crossings/

What do power lines have to do with wildlife? More than you might think. The land beneath Duke Energy's transmission lines stretches for thousands of miles across North Carolina. Since those areas are already kept clear of tall trees, they can also provide valuable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Through a partnership with Duke Energy, NCWF is planting native species like milkweed to help turn these corridors into connected habitat where wildlife can thrive. Learn more at the link. https://ncwf.org/blog/connecting-wildlife-habitat/

Conservation happens because people show up. In July, hundreds of volunteers, partners, and community members came together across North Carolina to restore habitat, learn about wildlife, and make a lasting impact. Here's what we accomplished together: 🌿 839 people connected to nature 🌱 137 native plants installed 🌾 1.35 acres of invasive species removed 📍 33 wildlife and habitat events across the state Thank you for working to create a better North Carolina for wildlife. Find your next opportunity to get involved at https://ncwf.org/events/

Imagine if the places you rely on every day - food, healthcare, work, and loved ones - meant crossing a busy interstate with no crosswalk, no overpass, and traffic moving at full speed. That's the reality for many box turtles. As roads divide natural habitats, even everyday journeys become more dangerous. Habitat connectivity helps wildlife safely move between the places they need to survive. 🐢 Every journey matters.

If you guessed deer, you're not alone. But one long-term North Carolina road study found amphibians made up nearly 73% of the documented wildlife mortality. They're small and easy to miss. But they're some of the animals most affected by our roads.

This summer, NCWF partnered with Duke Energy, Natrx, and Lake Norman State Park to install innovative reef structures that provide critical underwater habitat for fish while enhancing public fishing opportunities. It's a great example of conservation that benefits both wildlife and the people who enjoy North Carolina's lakes. Read the full story at the link. https://ncwf.org/blog/lake-norman-reef/

The 8th Annual NCWF Wildlife Photo Contest is still open for submissions! Whether you're a professional photographer, a weekend hobbyist, or just enjoy photographing NC's wildlife and natural landscapes, we'd love to see your work. This year's categories include: 🦌 Carolina Critters 🌄 Scenes of North Carolina 🦋 Pollinators & Insects 🎥 NEW! Wildlife Videos Entries are open through September 1, with all proceeds going to protecting, conserving and restoring wildlife throughout North Carolina. Start sorting through your favorite photos, or head outside and capture something new. We can't wait to see what you submit! All the details can be found in the link: https://ncwf.org/photo-contest/

For wildlife, crossing a highway isn't a choice. It's often the only way to reach food, water, shelter, or a mate. For example, in western North Carolina, black bears, elk, and deer regularly attempt to cross Interstate 40, creating risks for both wildlife and drivers. That's why conservation partners are working toward safer wildlife crossings that reconnect habitats and reduce collisions.

Roads help connect our communities, but they can divide wildlife habitat. As North Carolina continues to grow, highways can separate animals from the food, water, shelter, and mates they need to survive. The result? More dangerous crossings for wildlife and an increased risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. That's why NCWF is part of the Safe Passage Coalition—a collaborative effort working to reconnect habitat through research, partnerships, and wildlife-friendly solutions. Throughout August, we'll explore why habitat connectivity matters and how these efforts are helping create safer journeys for wildlife and the people who share the road.

Tell us about your latest wildlife sighting in North Carolina! 🦋🐢🦌🐻🐦 Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear what's active where you are.

Did you know Eastern North Carolina is home to some of the largest black bears ever recorded? 🐻 Now's your chance to see them in the wild. Join Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge this July and August for guided Bear Tours, where you'll learn about black bear biology, their history in Eastern North Carolina, and, if you're lucky, spot one in its natural habitat. 📍 Pantego, NC 📅 Select Fridays & Saturdays in July and August Learn more and reserve your spot at the link. https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E12185&id=1281

Lights out? No problem. 🦇 Bats don't need daylight to hunt. Using echolocation, they send out high-frequency sounds and listen for returning echoes, allowing them to navigate and catch tiny insects in complete darkness.

👉 New date and time! Thursday, August 13, 8:30-10:00 PM Join NCWF at Carolina Beach State Park for National Moth Week! Meet some moths you may have never seen before and listen for nocturnal birds in the coastal fringe forest of southeastern NC. Learn to use Seek and iNaturalist to identify and record species sightings. Upload 10 species observations to get your NC Moth Week badge! See details and register here: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E12185&id=1206

🎥 New this year: Video entries! Some wildlife moments are too incredible for a single photo. For the first time ever, the NCWF Wildlife Photo Contest is accepting video submissions alongside photography. As always, ethical wildlife photography and videography come first. Respect wildlife, keep your distance, and never disturb animals or their habitats for the perfect shot. Ready to enter? Learn more at the link. https://ncwf.org/photo-contest/

Every native plant in the ground. Every piece of trash removed. Every child on a frog walk. Every volunteer lending a hand. It all adds up. In June alone, NCWF staff and Community Wildlife Chapters connected more than 2,000 people to nature through 63 conservation events across North Carolina. Together, we're creating healthier habitats for wildlife and stronger connections between people and the outdoors. Find your next opportunity to get involved at the link. https://ncwf.org/events/

Looks friendly. Still give it 60 feet. 😉

37 species. Only 6 are venomous. 🐍 On World Snake Day, we're celebrating the incredible diversity of North Carolina's native snakes. Whether they're controlling rodent populations or helping maintain healthy ecosystems, snakes play an important role. However, some of these species face a variety of threats and have been designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Join us in celebrating World Snake Day today by spreading awareness of their importance in our state and beyond, and comment below the most interesting snake you've seen!👇

Trick question... they're all predators. 🪰 Dragonflies intercept insects in midair. 🐦 Bluebirds hunt insects. 🐍 Copperheads are ambush predators. 🦊 Gray foxes use speed and agility to catch prey. Every predator has a different strategy, and throughout July we'll explore the fascinating ways North Carolina's wildlife hunts, survives, and helps keep ecosystems in balance.

Guess who's awake and active?! 🐻 As black bears become more active across North Carolina, now's a great time to brush up on the BearWise Basics. Simple steps like securing your trash, removing bird feeders when bears are active, and not leaving pet food outside can help prevent conflicts and reduce the chances of bears visiting neighborhoods in search of food.

North Carolina Predator Resumes 📄 Every predator brings a different skill set.

Move over, speed. Patience has entered the chat. 🐍 Eastern copperheads don't chase their prey. Instead, they stay perfectly still, relying on incredible camouflage and specialized heat-sensing pits to detect warm-bodied animals, even in complete darkness. When you're built for the ambush, there's no need to rush.

Turns out, there's more than one way to catch dinner. Some predators chase. Some wait. Some hunt from the sky. Others use sound instead of sight. This month, we're taking a closer look at the fascinating hunting strategies of North Carolina's wildlife. In the meantime, you can learn more here: https://ncwf.org/blog/predators-and-prey/

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