A mother black bear and three cubs stroll along Creef Cut Wildlife Trail in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a press release featuring the photo recommends staying at least 1,000 yards away from bears. Use binoculars, scopes and telephoto lens to get a better look. Check out BearWise, an online resource that offers practical tips in the event of a bear encounter. Photo: Karen Lebing, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Kayak for Warriors signature paddle challenge June 7
The Kayak for the Warriors annual paddle challenge in Pine Knoll Shores raises funds for the national nonprofit, Hope For The Warriors.
Core Sound readies for annual summer Parlor Talk Series
Cape Lookout National Seashore’s wildlife biologist Dr. Sue Stuska is to speak during the July 3 summer Parlor Talk Series at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center’s Morehead City location.
North Carolina braces for ‘another summer of record heat’
As North Carolina readies for another extremely hot summer, Gov. Josh Stein’s office warns that federal cuts could affect the state’s heat-related programs.
Officials urge ‘When in doubt, stay out’ of discolored water
The public is reminded to avoid contact with discolored water as it may indicate the presence of an algal bloom.
Oak Island beachgoers warned to avoid an area of ocean surf
State recreation water quality officials are advising beachgoers in Oak Island to stay away from an area of ocean surf where town officials have been pumping floodwaters caused by recent rainfall.
Fisheries Commission advances flounder allocation for 2025
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission wants to advance toward an even split between commercial and recreational southern flounder allocations this year instead of a 60/40, commercial-recreational allocation.
State reminds visitors to maintain distance from wild horses
As tourism season ramps up, visitors to coastal areas where wild horses roam are reminded to keep a safe distance.
Mapping tool helps beachgoers locate public accesses
N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s online map may be used to find public waterfront access sites and nearby amenities.
Wilmington’s mulch giveaway event set for May 30
Wilmington and area residents may load the mulch and partially decayed stump grindings by hand on a first-come, first-serve basis May 30.
Swim advisory issued for Southport kayak launch area
Tests of water samples taken at the sound-side site indicate bacteria levels above state and federal recreational standards.
Officials urge Dare, Hyde beachgoers to sign up for alerts
Beachgoers to Hyde or Dare counties during the busy season can sign up for ocean and beach condition text alerts from Outer Banks lifeguards, ocean rescue agencies and the National Weather Service.
State to count traffic entering Outer Banks on US 158
“The purpose of these devices is to gather traffic data on the number of vehicles entering the Outer Banks that are currently equipped with toll payment transponders,” officials said.
Army Corps awards contract for Wilmington Harbor dredging
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District has awarded an $18.6 million contract for maintenance dredging in the Wilmington Harbor.
‘GatorWise’ advises how to live responsibly among alligators
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has joined the near dozen other southeastern U.S. states that American alligators call home by launching GatorWise.
‘Flytrap Frolic’ June 7 to offer close-up of carnivorous plants
N.C. Coastal Land Trust’s annual Flytrap Frolic, scheduled for June 7 in Wilmington, brings participants face-to-trap with carnivorous plants.
