What to do in the event of an animal encounter

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) offers helpful guidance when encountering wildlife as they become more visible this time of year. 

Black bears emerge from their dens in spring and become more active. BearWise offers springtime tips, such as securing garbage and taking down bird feeders, to help people prevent conflicts with bears.

If someone suspects a cub has been orphaned, they are advised to not handle, feed or remove it, as this puts people and the cub at risk. Instead, note the location and contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline (866.318.2401) or contact the appropriate district wildlife biologist. If NCWRC biologists determine the cub is orphaned, they will place it with a licensed bear cub rehabilitator. For information about living responsibly with black bears, visit Bearwise.org. 

NCWRC advises not to kill snakes because they help control rodent, slug and insect populations. There are many ways to coexist with snakes. Ten of North Carolina’s 38 native snake species are listed as either endangered, threatened or of special concern. If you come across a snake, remain calm and give it plenty of room to move along. If it’s believed to be a rattlesnake or Northern pine snake, please report it through the HerpMapper.org mobile app, or by email with a photo (if safely possible), location (GPS coordinates preferred) and date and time observed to  rattlesnake@ncwildlife.gov or through NCWRC pine snake reporting tool.  

Coyote sightings spike in the spring during the breeding season and peak in May as they search for food to support their pups. While they rarely attack people, they are opportunistic hunters, so smaller pets should be closely supervised when outdoors to avoid being preyed upon.

Coyotes build dens in brushy or wooded areas to protect their pups when they are very young. If a coyote is staring or starts following you, her den may be nearby, so calmly leave the area and inform others to avoid the area for a few weeks. As soon as the pups can survive outside of the den, the coyotes will no longer use the shelter. 

Foxes give birth between late February and April. The pups (or “kits”) start exploring outside their den by late spring and early summer. Foxes are nocturnal, but it is not uncommon to see them during the day. They are shy and usually are not aggressive, unless people have been feeding them. Their appetite for mice and rats, and the occasional groundhog is of great benefit to most homeowners and farmers.

They are well adapted to living around people and thrive in neighborhoods. 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. Removing these species from your property requires euthanizing the animal and either a license or permit.    

Hellbenders and Mudpuppies are seen more frequently in early spring, mainly due to more people venturing into their habitats, specifically anglers, as hatchery supported trout waters open each year on the first Saturday in April. Neither the mudpuppy nor the hellbender is poisonous, venomous, toxic or harmful to humans, although they may try to bite if someone tries to pick them up. If sighted, they should be left alone. Both species are listed as a North Carolina species of special concern, and NCWRC requests reporting sightings to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.gov and including physical location (GPS coordinates preferred) and a photo or video, or contacting NC Wildlife Helpline, 866.318.2401 and providing details of the observation.   

NOTE: It is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a fine and up to 120 days in jail to take, possess, transport or sell mudpuppies or hellbenders. If anglers happen to catch one by hook and line, they should carefully remove the hook if possible or cut the line close to the hook and return the salamander back to the water. Learn more by visiting the N.C. Partners in Amphibians and Reptile Conservation’s mudpuppy webpage and the NCWRC’s hellbender webpage. 

Some basic rules that apply to all wildlife encounters include: 

• Never feed or handle a wild animal. 

• Leave a young animal where it’s found because wild parents rarely abandon their young, even if they detect human scent. 

If unsure as to whether an animal needs human assistance or to answer questions about wildlife removal, contact NCWRC’s Wildlife Helpline, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 866.318.2401 or by email, HWI@ncwildlife.gov.