North Carolina Wildlife Federation

Who's your daddy? 🐻 Black bears are polygamous, exhibiting both polygynous and polyandrous behaviors, though they are primarily polygynous, with males mating with multiple females (Penn State Extension). After mating, the fertilized egg does not immediately implant but remains unattached in the uterus until fall. The gestation period lasts about 235 days, with cubs typically born during mid-winter hibernation. Litters usually consist of one to three cubs. Male bears play no role in parenting, and females are solely responsible for raising the young. Female black bears are highly protective of their cubs, with the highest incidence of bear attacks occurring when mothers defend their young from perceived threats. Want to learn more about black bears and other #WildlifeFamilyUnits in North Carolina? Head to: https://lnkd.in/e_bpCqTn

What do you know about the osprey family unit?🤔 Ospreys are mostly monogamous and mate for life, with pairs migrating together and returning to the same nesting sites each year to raise another brood. Although they are predominantly monogamous, rare instances of polygyny or polyandry have been observed (Avian Report). In North Carolina, osprey breeding occurs from early March through July. The male performs intricate aerial displays to attract the female. If successful, they mate frequently, and the female lays two to four eggs, which do not hatch all at once. Both parents share incubation duties. While the female primarily cares for the young, the male protects the nest from threats and makes frequent trips to gather food for the female and chicks. Though they migrate together, the female typically leaves first (Avian Report), heading to Central and South America for the winter. The pair later returns to their North American nesting grounds. Learn more about #WildlifeFamilyUnits in our most recent blog post: https://lnkd.in/e_bpCqTn

A webinar on freshwater fisheries in the piedmont? Yes please! 🙌🐟 Join NCWF South Wake Conservationists Chapter on February 6 from 7:00-8:30 for a webinar about local fishes and sport fisheries! Hear from NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) District 5 Fisheries Biologist, Seth Mycko, about his job managing and researching sport fisheries in local reservoirs and rivers. Learn about sport fishes in the piedmont and current research projects being conducted by the NCWRC to monitor fish habitat. To register, head to ncwf.org/events

What happens when an osprey loses its lifelong mate?💔 Why do white-tailed deer social groups form and dissolve throughout the year?🦌 Do some woodpeckers actually help care for their younger siblings?🤔 This month, we'll be exploring Wildlife Family Units in North Carolina. We’ll answer these questions and more, revealing how different species organize their family life to ensure survival, reproduction, and strong social bonds. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_bpCqTn

Ready to learn how to hunt turkeys ethically? 🦃 Join the NCWF Gaston PAWS Chapter and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for a Turkey Learn to Hunt course on March 29th! Whether you're a first-timer or looking to brush up on your skills, this course is perfect for new hunters. 🏹 Don’t miss out—spots are limited! Secure your seat today: https://conta.cc/4hv51Mo

Nominations for NCWF's 60th Governor's Awards Are Closing TODAY! The 60th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards highlights the work of individuals and organizations who are leading the way in wildlife conservation, environmental science, and outdoor engagement. And the time to nominate these outstanding conservationists is now—but don’t wait, nominations close on January 31, 2025! Categories for nomination include: · Conservationist of the Year · Wildlife Conservationist of the Year · Sportsman or Sportswoman of the Year · Land Conservationist of the Year · Water Conservationist of the Year · Forest Conservationist of the Year · Conservation Organization of the Year · Legislator of the Year · Business Conservationist of the Year · Natural Resources Agency or Scientist of the Year · Wildlife Volunteer of the Year · Public Lands Conservationist of the Year · NCWF Chapter of the Year · Affiliate of the Year · Environmental Educator of the Year · Young Conservationist of the Year This is your chance to spotlight those whose work is making a real difference in protecting and conserving North Carolina’s wildlife. The awards will be presented at a special gala on May 3, 2025. Nominate now at: https://conta.cc/3EfZdHT=

🌨️ POV: You're sad that Wintering Wildlife Month is coming to a close... but don't worry! There's plenty more where that came from. 🦋🐦 Head over to our YouTube channel and check out the Winter in the Refuge Series – a deep dive into some of NC's wildest wildlife refuges and what the creatures are up to this winter! 🦌🌲 🎥 Watch now: https://conta.cc/4h4I9Dg

We're hiring! 🚨 North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Foundations Relations Manager. This individual will oversee grant efforts and foundation, government, and corporate sources to protect North Carolina’s natural heritage. The Foundations Relations Manager will exhibit strategic fundraising and grant management expertise, combining relationship-building, project management, and impactful communication to advance conservation goals. The ideal candidate will be passionate about wildlife and the outdoors, and experienced grant writing, prospecting, and management, with demonstrated success managing government grants and navigating compliance requirements. To apply or find more information, head to ncwf.org/careers

During the winter season, it's a common question amongst anglers... with a pretty easy answer! Where did all the fish go? Down! ⬇️ During the winter, many species of popular gamefish like sunfish (including bass and bluegill) move from their shallow warm weather locations down to deeper water, particularly around, brush, underwater structures, or points. Here, they will try to find more suitable water temperatures and feed less frequently. However, they will still feed on larvae and worms on the along the bottom. So if you're targeting sunfish this winter, try fishing deep and prepare to wait. 🎣

Ever heard of crayfish-atarians? ... No? Good, because its not a real thing. But hellbenders are about as close as it gets! 🦞🐍 These underwater amphibians thrive in cold, moving rivers, using the flow to get oxygen as they crawl along the riverbed rocks. During winter, they enter a state of mild hibernation, hiding under rocks and munching on whatever prey they can find—mainly minnows and helgramites, as crayfish slow down in the cold. As the water warms up, hellbenders wake from their winter slumber, and return to their normal crayfish-heavy diet.