Wildlife / Conservancy

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

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Much of West Virginia enjoys about 85 percent as much sunlight as Miami, Florida, which means it’s ideally suited to solar energy use, says the founder and CEO of West Virginia-based Solar Holler. Thanks to technological advances, Dan Conant says solar energy is now an affordable and viable option for many residents … Read more

PINEVILLE, W.Va. — If it’s May or June in West Virginia and you’ve noticed an uptick in bear encounters on social media and in person, don’t be surprised. Young black bears are venturing out on their own in late spring and early summer, and male and female adults are searching for food and mating opportunities. … Read more

MARLINTON, W.Va. — When spring is in the air in West Virginia, black bears emerge from hibernation and begin a desperate search for food. Because bears become more active during this time of year, the chances of an outdoor encounter increase, says Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. … Read more