{"id":3794,"date":"2026-03-06T20:39:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T20:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/?p=3794"},"modified":"2026-05-21T14:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T14:04:22","slug":"keep-wildlife-wild-on-the-nc-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/keep-wildlife-wild-on-the-nc-coast\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Wildlife Wild on the NC Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Ways to Keep Wildlife Wild on the NC Coast<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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IN THIS POST<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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7 Incredible Species on the NC Coast<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Tips to Practice While observing wildlife<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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If you\u2019re seeking outdoor adventures in NC, you probably don\u2019t need us to tell you the coast is a natural conduit for fun. But what you may not realize is just how many different directions exploring coastal NC can take you.<\/p>

With 300+ miles of barrier-island beaches, the Tar Heel state\u2019s coastline is the seventh-longest in the United States and is known to beckon visitors for more than just its sandy shores. All along the NC coast, you\u2019ll encounter an incredible variety of ecosystems \u2014 from estuaries and salt marshes to maritime forests \u2014 that are teeming with just-as diverse wildlife. (There\u2019s a reason nearly 40 coastal wildlife refuges and sanctuaries can be found here)!<\/p>

Whether you\u2019re hoping to see loggerhead sea turtles hatch or wild mustangs gallop, we\u2019ll share our tips for taking in the real stars of our coast: NC wildlife. And we\u2019ll also share what makes the coastal plain and its habitats so key to NC\u2019s biodiversity, so that you can appreciate our coast\u2019s incredible creatures while helping preserve the ecosystems they call home.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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7 Incredible Species You\u2019ll See On the NC Coast (and Where to Find Them)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Blue Crabs<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Wildlife lovers will be happy to learn about NC’s abundance of blue crabs. They\u2019re found in estuarine systems like the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound (which, according to the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership, is the second largest estuarine complex in the U.S.)! Juvenile blue crabs are fond of the area\u2019s salt marshes and seagrass beds, which provide rich food resources and protection from predators.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Loggerhead sea turtles <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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On the Endangered Species list since 1978, North Carolinians\u2019 commitment to conservation has helped loggerhead sea turtles thrive along our coast. Bald Head Island in particular is a major nesting site, and from late May to mid-August, the Bald Head Island Conservancy leads nighttime vigils to watch mothers’ nests and baby turtles hatch. A half hour\u2019s drive from Emerald Isle\u2019s tiny beach towns, you might spot loggerheads at Hammocks Beach State Park.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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brown pelicans<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Brown pelicans were once endangered due to the use of pesticides like DDT, which caused eggshell thinning. Thankfully, the species is flourishing across many parts of NC\u2019s coastal plain today. If you find yourself at the waters of the Cape Fear River islands, watch brown pelicans dive after a fresh fish lunch from heights of up to 60 feet. While there, you\u2019ll also see the state\u2019s largest colony of wading birds, from herons and ibises to egrets. Want to keep your adventure in NC going? Boat or kayak to nearby Shark Tooth Island next, aptly named for its number of fossilized shark teeth and other marine fossils.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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wild horses<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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No list of NC wildlife along the coast would be complete without a nod to its most famous residents: wild horses. Believed to be descended from Spanish mustangs brought to America by early explorers (although stories of long-ago shipwrecks have also swirled), the Corolla horses are one of the NC coast\u2019s best-known populations. From a safe, respectful distance \u2014 remember, it\u2019s essential to let wildlife stay wild! Watch them graze along barrier islands\u2019 sandy beaches and dunes, like the ones found in the northern Outer Banks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Black Bears<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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NC\u2019s coast is a remarkable place to encounter one of the state\u2019s most iconic wild residents: the American black bear. The coastal plain\u2019s dense forests, swamps, and vast wetlands create ideal habitat for these powerful and elusive animals, and the region is home to some of the largest black bears in the world. With patience and a bit of luck, you may spot a bear moving through thick vegetation or foraging along wetland edges. To to keep yourself and bears safe, observe them from a safe distance and bring binoculars or a spotting scope to enjoy a closer look without approaching these beautiful animals.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Tips for Keeping Coastal Wildlife Wild<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The coastal animals above are just a handful of the species that call NC\u2019s coastal plain home. What makes this region able to support such a wide variety of wildlife, and why is the coastal plain important to NC biodiversity as a whole?<\/p>

In NC, the coastal plain acts as a link connecting different ecosystems across the state via forests, wetlands, and other waterways. This connectivity helps our ecosystems stay resilient while providing flood protection, erosion control, water filtration, and carbon elimination that the well-being of humans, fauna, and flora across the state.<\/p>

Our wild spaces continue to support and sustain us in ways we can\u2019t always see. We can return the favor by helping the wilderness,\u00a0 and all the incredible creatures who live in it stay wild, including by observing the following Outdoor NC Leave No Trace tips for interacting with wildlife.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Skip the snacks.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Feeding wildlife alters their behavior, putting both them and you at risk.\u00a0 If you\u2019re taking a picnic to the beach or bringing snacks with you on a kayak tour through an estuary, pack out everything you packed in, scraps and all.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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observe from a distance.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When seeing something as spectacular as wild horses trotting down a beach, the instinct to approach can be strong. But if an animal is wild, always appreciate it from a distance, including when taking photos. Giving wildlife plenty of space lets them thrive in their natural habitat and helps keep your outdoor adventures safe and memorable.<\/p>

How close is too close? If you encounter a wild animal, utilize the thumb trick. Extend one arm with a thumb up, close one eye, and attempt to hide the animal behind your thumb. If you can\u2019t: consider backing up.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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If you come across injured or orphaned wildlife, leave it be.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As good as your intentions may be, trying to transport wildlife out of the wild can cause both you and it harm. Leave it to professionals: NC\u2019s licensed wildlife rehabilitators are the only people legally allowed to possess and care for wildlife, and they\u2019re trained to do so in a way that maximizes injured or orphaned animals\u2019 odds of survival upon release. You can look up wildlife rehabilitators according to the species they work with on the North<\/a> Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Want to learn more ways to explore North Carolina\u2019s natural world, from the High Country to the coast, while being a good steward of it?<\/strong><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for our e-newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Inside our Evergreen E-Newsletter you’ll find useful tips on how to responsibly enjoy all kinds of outdoor adventures, highlights from local guides, and recommendations on destinations to explore throughout North Carolina for adventurers of all abilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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You\u2019re invited to join the outdoor nc movement<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina\u2019s beloved outdoor spaces and you\u2019ll be entered to win a ENO double nest hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoin the Movement<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Learn about NC\u2019s incredible coastal wildlife and ways to protect them by observing from a distance, packing out your trash, and leaving wildlife in their natural habitats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3800,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","region-coast","activity-fish","activity-surf","activity-wildlife"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWays to Keep Wildlife Wild on the NC Coast | Outdoor NC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whether you\u2019re hoping to see sea turtles hatch or wild mustangs gallop, we share our tips for taking in the real stars of the NC coast: North Carolina wildlife.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/keep-wildlife-wild-on-the-nc-coast\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ways to Keep Wildlife Wild on the NC Coast | Outdoor NC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Whether you\u2019re hoping to see sea turtles hatch or wild mustangs gallop, we share our tips for taking in the real stars of the NC coast: North Carolina wildlife.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/keep-wildlife-wild-on-the-nc-coast\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OutdoorNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-06T20:39:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-21T14:04:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" 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