Coyotes in North Carolina: History, Distribution, Myths, and Facts

Published 11:03 am Tuesday, July 5, 2022

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Join Conserving Carolina for a free lecture entitled, “Coyotes in North Carolina: History, Distribution, Myths, and Facts,” presented by Colleen Olfenbuttel, a Certified Wildlife Biologist and the Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, on Saturday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve.

 

The coyote is considered the most adaptable mammal in North America and has lived in North Carolina since the early 1980’s. Their flexibility allows them to live in a wide variety of habitats, including golf courses, cemeteries, towns, and neighborhoods. In recent years, coyotes have become social media influencers based on the number of tweetstorms and viral social media posts that have been generated, mainly due to the folklore and myths surrounding this species. Come learn the myths and facts of our state’s coyote populations, as well as how you and your neighbors can safely co-exist with our newest wild neighbor.  

 

This lecture is part of Conserving Carolina’s monthly Speaker Series at Walnut Creek Preserve.  Pre-registration is required. To register and for more information, visit Conserving Carolina’s website and “calendar” tab, conservingcarolina.org/calendar.

 

To get to Walnut Creek Preserve’s Nature Center from the Tryon and Columbus area, take Hwy 108 E and turn left on Hwy 9 toward Lake Lure.  Follow Hwy 9 N for 5 miles and turn right onto McGuinn Road (at the Exxon Station). Go 1 mile to the intersection with Big Level Road; turn left, go 0.2 miles and take the first right onto Aden Green Road. Follow Aden Green for 0.4 mile and turn left on Wood Thrush Lane and into Walnut Creek Preserve. Take the first left onto Conservatory Lane, which takes you to the parking area for the nature center; 179 Conservatory Lane, Mill Spring, NC.

The next program at Walnut Creek Preserve will be held on August 20, when Emily Walker and Margeau Lance of Chimney Rock State Park, will present, “Whoo Gives a Hoot,” a program about North Carolina’s owls. Participants will even get a chance to meet a few special animal ambassadors (live owls) and see their beauty and incredible characteristics up close!  So, bring the kids!  This is sure to be fun for the whole family!

For more information about Walnut Creek Preserve, visit www.walnutcreekpreserve.com. Please note, Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).  

 

Conserving Carolina, your local land trust, is dedicated to protecting and stewarding land and water resources vital to our natural heritage and quality of life and to fostering appreciation and understanding of the natural world. For more info visit, www.conservingcarolina.org.

 

Submitted by Pam Torlina