Here’s what to do if you see these 8 animals in NC this spring, experts say

Note: The accompanying video explains how possible rabies exposure is handled in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Whether you see them on a trail, in a parking lot or in your yard, you’re likely to encounter one of these eight animals in North Carolina this spring.

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is offering guidance for how to handle these encounters in the safest way for the animal, you and your pets.

Experts say it’s especially important to be prepared this time of year as these animals emerge from their winter slumbers, produce offspring and become more visible.

1. Black Bears

According to N.C. Wildlife, black bears will emerge from their dens in the spring and become more active.

“Humans may come across cubs that are alone, most likely waiting for their mothers to return from foraging,” experts said. “However, if you suspect a cub has been orphaned, do not handle, feed or remove it, as this puts you and the cub at risk.”

Instead, anyone who sees a cub is asked to note the location and contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 or contact your district wildlife biologist. 

If the cub is orphaned, NCWRC will place it with a licensed bear cub rehabilitator.

For information about living responsibly with black bears, click here.

For information about black bears in North Carolina, click here. 

2. Snakes

Similar to humans, snakes will slither outside in the spring and become more active as the weather warms.

Animal experts with the NCWRC wants people to know there are many ways to coexist with snakes.

They said people should not kill snakes because they help control rodent, slug and insect populations.

Ten of North Carolina’s 38 native snake species are also listed as endangered, threatened or special concern, according to the commission.

If you see a snake, experts say to remain calm and give it plenty of room to move along.

Anyone who believes they see a rattlesnake or Northern pine snake are asked to report it via one of the following ways:

• HerpMapper mobile app
• NCWRC pine snake reporting tool
• Email with photo, location (GPS coordinate preferred), and date and time observed to rattlesnake@ncwildlife.org

3. Coyotes

There’s a big spike of coyote sightings in the spring as they venture out to search for food for their pups, according to wildlife experts.

They said these sightings typically peak in May.

While coyotes usually avoid people, experts say the main concern is smaller pets.

“[Coyotes] are opportunistic hunters, so smaller pets should be closely supervised when outdoors to avoid being preyed upon,” they said.

The NCWRC offers the following tips to protect pets:

• Remove all outdoor pet food, fallen fruit, food waste and bird feeders. 
• Keep cats and small dogs on a leash or harness whenever they’re outside. 
• Haze coyotes away from homes and businesses to keep them wary of humans. 
• Install dog-proof fencing, which is at least 6 feet tall and prevents digging underneath.

N.C. Wildlife says coyotes build dens in brushy or wooded areas to protect their pups.

If a coyote is starting or starts following you, they said her den may be nearby.

Anyone in this situation is asked to leave the area and tell others to avoid the area for a few weeks until the coyotes abandon their den.

4. Foxes

According to the NCWRC, foxes give birth between late February and April, and pups will start exploring from their den around mid to late summer. This is when breeding season begins.

Experts say foxes are another animal beneficial to coexist with.

“Their appetite for mice and rats, and the occasional groundhog is of great benefit to most homeowners and farmers,” they said.

While foxes are shy and not aggressive, experts say they will take advantage of pet food let outside, garbage and small prey near bird feeders like birds and squirrels.

“They are well adapted to living around people and thrive in neighborhoods,” N.C. Wildlife said.

The law also comes into play with foxes.

“It is illegal to relocate foxes or any possible rabies vector species (such as raccoons and skunks) in North Carolina, in order to prevent unintentional spread of disease to both people and other wildlife,” they said. “Removing these species from your property requires euthanizing the animal.”  

Experts shared how to deter a fox from nesting near your home:

• Place a spotlight or strobe light on the ground, pointed toward the den entrance.   
• Play talk radio next to the den at high volume or frequently make loud noises in the immediate area.  
• Install a motion-activated sprinkler near the den entrance or throw small objects in the adult foxes’ direction to assert that their presence won’t be tolerated.

5. Rabbits

N.C. Wildlife wants people to know about rabbit nests, which could be found in plain sight in the middle of open lawns, in shallow holes tucked among clumps of thick grass, or under shrubs.

As rabbits give birth this time of year, experts say females will actively avoid their nests to avoid attracting predators, and will only visit once or twice per day.

“If a young rabbit is outside its nest and appears to be healthy and unharmed, leave it alone,” the commission said. “The mother will usually return after humans leave the area.”

If it is believed the animal needs help, leave it alone and call either the Wildlife Helpline or a legal, licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice. 

6. Deer fawns

Deer fawns are born closer to late spring and early summer, according to the state wildlife commission.

Similar to rabbits, does will intentionally stay away for periods of time during the day to decrease the chance of predators finding the fawn.

If you find a fawn, experts said you should leave it alone and do not move it.

“A doe will usually look for a missing fawn for about 48 hours,” they said. “After that time, or if it is bleating loudly, appears thin or injured, or has visible diarrhea, it is advised to contact a licensed fawn rehabilitator for advice or contact NCWRC’s Wildlife helpline at 866-318-2401.”

7. Songbird

Baby songbirds, or chicks, will hatch throughout the spring.

The NCWRC wants people to know the difference between a nestling and a fledgling bird so they can make the right decision if they see a young bird on the ground.

Experts say nestlings don’t have feathers yet and cannot survive outside their nest for long, so they should be returned to the nest as quickly as possible.

If the entire nest has fallen, they say you should place it back in the tree or construct a makeshift nest.

According to N.C. Wildlife, fledglings have their feathers and are able to walk, hop or fly short distances.

“They may appear helpless, but in face have left the nest and are learning to fly,” they said. “Fledglings should be left alone unless they are obviously injured or in immediate danger. In those less common cases, contact a licensed rehabilitator. Keeping cats inside and dogs on leashes also help these young birds make it through this vulnerable learning stage.”

8. Hellbenders and Mudpuppies

Wildlife biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are asking the public, specifically anglers, to report any sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies.

They said these animals are seen more frequently in the early spring as people venture into their habitats.

Both types of aquatic salamanders are found in the western part of the state and are listed in North Carolina as a ‘species of concern,” according to N.C. Wildlife.

People can also call the Wildlife Commission’s NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.

Click here to learn more.

Basic rules for wildlife encounters

The N.C. Wildlife Commission also shared the following rules for all wildlife encounters: