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Wildlife / Conservancy

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West Virginia is an exceptional destination for wildlife interaction and viewing, offering visitors and residents the chance to connect with nature in a state that proudly values its rich biodiversity and strong cultural affinity for wildlife conservation. From spotting white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys in lush forests to watching migrating birds and rare species in protected areas like Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods, West Virginia provides countless opportunities for unforgettable wildlife experiences. Scenic trails, state parks, and wildlife refuges allow nature lovers and photographers to observe animals in their natural habitats while supporting local conservation efforts. For new residents drawn by the remote-work revolution and a love for the outdoors, West Virginia’s abundant wildlife and community respect for nature make it the perfect place to live, explore, and appreciate the Mountain State’s wild beauty year-round.

West Virginia Fireflies: While fireflies have struggled in many places, West Virginia remains one of the strongest refuges for the insects in the eastern United States.
Wildlife / Conservancy

Why West Virginia remains one of America’s best places to see fireflies

by David Sibray

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Few summer experiences are as deeply woven into the culture of the eastern United States as watching fireflies flicker across a meadow after sunset. For generations, children spent warm evenings chasing “lightning bugs” through fields, collecting the glowing insects in mason jars before releasing them into the darkness. Those memories remain vivid … Read more

Each spring, officials field calls about young wildlife that may appear abandoned but in most cases are behaving as they should in the wild.
Wildlife / Conservancy

Biologists in West Virginia warn the public to leave young wildlife alone

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reminding the public to leave young wildlife alone, noting that handling wild animals can harm them, spread disease, and violate state law. Brett McMillion, director of the Canada geese groom at the McClintic Wildlife Management Area. (Photo courtesy West Virginia Dept. of Commerce)[/caption] … Read more

Officials say spring and early summer are periods of increased bear activity as bears emerge from winter dens, search for food, and move through the habitat with cubs.
Wildlife / Conservancy

Bear activity increasing in national parks in W.Va. as officials urge visitors be ‘Bear Aware’

by Clyde Craig

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — As bear activity increases across national parks and public lands in West Virginia this spring and summer, state and federal wildlife officials are urging visitors to take extra precautions while hiking, camping, and exploring the Mountain State’s forests. The National Park Service recently issued a nationwide reminder encouraging visitors to practice bear … Read more

Because fireflies communicate through light signals, Heitzman cautioned that flashlights, car headlights, and phone screens can interfere with their mating patterns.
Wildlife / Conservancy

West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming a tourist attraction across Appalachia, a West Virginia University researcher is reminding visitors to enjoy the spectacle responsibly and without disrupting the insects’ delicate mating rituals. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are known for their remarkable ability to coordinate their flashes of light in unison, a natural … Read more

Officials remind public that hemorrhagic disease is harmless to humans and not a long-term threat to deer.
Wildlife / Conservancy

West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer have been confirmed in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Wood counties in West Virginia, officials with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced. According to Brett McMillion, director of the division, the West Virginia counties are near counties in Ohio, where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources … Read more

NIghttime deer surveys in West Virginia
Wildlife / Conservancy

West Virginia to conduct nighttime deer surveys across the Mountain State

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State biologists will conduct spotlight surveys across the Mountain State in August and September to monitor white-tailed deer populations, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The surveys are a critical part of the agency’s deer management plan and help wildlife managers estimate local deer numbers, track population trends, and … Read more