My name is Emma and I was an intern with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission this summer. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to work with several different biologists, ranging from those who worked with freshwater mussels to black bears. Here are some updates of what Commission biologists were doing this summer in the field. READ MORE

Being a sea turtle volunteer is not for the faint of heart – it’s hard work throughout much of the year, yet it is also rewarding work, particularly when you consider that the five species of sea turtles that are found along North Carolina’s coastline are all federally listed as threatened or endangered species. So, they need all the help . . . MORE

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act set the international standard for the protection of bird species that we still follow today, but many don’t know the story behind how it came to be and what came before…MORE

"If you had told me just over 15 years ago that I would be firing rifles, daydreaming of buying a truck and researching venison recipes, I would have never believed you."

A $200 bounty on hellbenders? Say it’s not so.

“That is a rumor and absolutely untrue,” said Lori Williams, a Wildlife Diversity biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “Furthermore, the Eastern hellbender is listed as a species of special concern in North Carolina. Harming, harassing, collecting or killing one is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in a fine and up to 120 days in jail.”

Hellbenders are one of the largest salamanders found in North Carolina, averaging 16-17 inches long but can grow up to 24 inches long.

Also called the “water dog,” “snot otter,” “Alleghany alligator,” among other names, the hellbender is a harmless, giant aquatic salamander found in fast-moving, clean mountain streams in . . .
 

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