NC wildlife officials rolled out early-season hunts and new carcass-disposal rules aimed at slowing chronic wasting disease in affected counties. Hunters are being asked to test and to change how they handle deer remains.

Gaston County bought roughly 562 acres at Catawba Cove to preserve wetlands and build a future park with trails and lake access.

A dead eastern hemlock in Nantahala National Forest shelters a small colony of endangered Indiana bats — the first documented maternity roost in North Carolina in 14 years.

Necropsy found a nearly 6-inch stingray barb lodged behind a dolphin’s skull; investigators say the resulting infection likely contributed to the animal’s death.

A juvenile from North Carolina’s barn-owl live cam was killed after a great horned owl attacked; officials captured rare footage and say predation is part of wild life.

A black bear wandered into Statesville's Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Police and wildlife officials advise giving the animal space while officials monitor the sighting.

Mecklenburg County's new 91‑acre Ezell Park opened in Mint Hill with a sprayground, pickleball courts, trails and public art.

A 9-foot alligator wandered through Southport lawns and driveways on Memorial Day before specially trained officers captured and relocated it to a less-populated area.

Six black bears were killed in Buncombe County after repeated home break‑ins tied to food‑conditioned animals. State necropsies found human‑related waste in most of the bears.

Copperheads are turning up near homes across North Carolina as snake season ramps up. Experts and poison control explain when they’re active and how to reduce encounters.

Three Rivers Land Trust is racing to buy up to 4,000 acres around Tuckertown Reservoir to keep shoreline and boat ramps public.

Mecklenburg County is banning grills, campfires and other open flames in county parks starting May 4 as drought and a statewide burn ban raise wildfire risk.

A 12-foot alligator sat peering through a Southport family's storm door Tuesday before wildlife crews captured and relocated it to a safer area.