Wildlife / Conservancy

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

SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — Devoted fans of scenic Summersville Lake in central West Virginia are being invited to volunteer for a litter clean-up there in late August. The Plateau Action Network will host a community clean-up at Summersville Lake on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will gather at the Salmon Run … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will hold a series of public meetings in July to collect input on its State Wildlife Action Plan, which is currently under review. The plan, also known as SWAP, serves as a roadmap for conserving West Virginia’s wildlife and natural habitats. Updated roughly every decade, … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is working with West Virginia youth to help restore stream habitat in the state and has completed two projects in Mercer and Pocahontas counties. The division recently hosted cadets from the Mountaineer Challenge Academy at Pipestem Resort State Park for a day of learning and activities. … Read more

CREDE, W.Va. — Spring and early summer are peak seasons for deer births, and it’s not uncommon for people to stumble upon a solitary fawn nestled in tall grass, under a tree, or even in their backyard. With no mother in sight, the instinct for many of us is to assume the fawn has been … Read more

WHEELING, W.Va. — Once rare in many parts of West Virginia, black bears are now found in all counties, and officials are reminding residents that interactions increase in spring, when care should be taken to secure food. Even in suburban areas, residents should bring food indoors in spring and summer, according to Colin Carpenter, black … Read more

COVEL, W.Va. — From high among the peaks of Great Flat Top Mountain in southern West Virginia, there descends a stream that bears a unique name—Gooney Otter Creek. But what is a “gooney otter?” The strange name appears nowhere else in the world, but a renowned wildlife biologist may have the answer. Jim Reed, now … Read more

PAX, W.Va. — While the U.S. and Canada turn to the groundhog on February 2 for an end-of-winter forecast, a new online tool created in West Virginia is poised for a stand-off with the scrappy rodent. Created by West Virginia developer Jonathan Moore, the “Early Spring Predictor” uses real-time weather data and historical temperature trends … Read more

HINTON, W.Va. — Beneath the surface of clean-flowing streams in West Virginia, a multitude of strange creatures lurk, but none is perhaps more shocking to encounter than the hellbender. Also known as the devil dog, the mud devil, and the Allegheny alligator, its names testify to the strangeness of what turns out to be an … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has launched a ruffed grouse and wildlife restoration program, enhancing habitat by strategically planting soft mast-producing trees and shrubs on recently harvested private timberlands. This innovative program is designed to provide vital food sources for various wildlife species, including ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, and songbirds, while also benefiting landowners and local … Read more