Wildlife / Conservancy

In some corners of West Virginia, resident rodents such as squirrels and beavers are sharing habitat with their slow-moving, short-sighted, and very prickly cousin—the porcupine. Verifiable reports of these non-native animals in the Eastern Panhandle date back to at least the later 1980s, according to Rich Rogers, district wildlife biologist and furbearer program coordinator for … Read more

An investigation into diseased birds found in the eastern panhandle has concluded that reports of affected birds have declined since July, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. As a result, the division is lifting its recommendation to not feed birds in the area, as long as bird feeders are cleaned weekly with soapy … Read more

To help create even more natural habitat for wildlife around the state, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is encouraging landowners to join its Wild Yards program. The program, which has 300 members around the state, recognizes the efforts of landowners who landscape for wildlife use, according to Jim Fregonara, a wildlife biologist for … Read more

Wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor lovers who want a chance to see West Virginia’s growing elk herd up close and in a natural setting may now book a seat on a guided elk viewing tour organized by West Virginia State Parks. W.Va. Division of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel says applicants for the tours should register … Read more

Landowners in the Kanawha Valley had a hands-on opportunity to learn how to create pollinator habitats on their properties through a recent workshop hosted by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia Inc. Susan Olcott, pollinator project leader for the division, says landowners across the state can avail themselves … Read more

The extension service at West Virginia State University is inviting West Virginians to plant a part of state history by planting oak tree seedlings grown from the acorns of trees on the university’s historic campus at Institute. Extension Agent Liz Moss said the initiative was created to help spread heirloom species planted long ago at … Read more

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has partnered with fish and wildlife agencies and angling organizations across the eastern U.S. to attempt to gauge sport-fishing impacts on the muskellunge population. In cooperation with Coastal Carolina University and West Virginia University and state agencies in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, the study will help … Read more

Just in time for Earth Day, biology and ecology students at West Liberty University are planting trees in public spaces from Wheeling to West Liberty to increase the quality of life in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Students planted two types of native flowering trees along a portion of the Heritage Trail along the … Read more

The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is asking trappers in the Mountain State to help collect data on river otter populations by donating otter carcasses. Between 50 and 75 otter carcasses are needed each year over the course of the next five trapping seasons. A $20 gift card of your choice is being offered for … Read more

Biologists with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reaching out to landowners who are interested in improving wildlife habitat on their property. In partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the West Virginia Division of Forestry, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and other agencies, the division hopes property owners can help address shrinking … Read more