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.
Chief Logan State Park is introducing a free bird-watching program on weekends in February, March, and April to welcome novice and ardent bird watchers to the mountainous valley of the Guyandotte River. Park naturalist Lauren Cole says she’s identified 11 spring species in the park, though more may soon be found as participants come to … Read more
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — On the western edge of the D.C. metro, elusive bobcats roam the darkness in the hills of West Virginia. Biologists would like to know just how many. They’re enlisting the help of trappers in the state’s eastern panhandle and its Allegheny Mountains region, asking trappers to release the cats back into the … Read more
Holly River State Park will host “Snakes of West Virginia,” a family program investigating native West Virginia snakes, at 2 p.m. on July 6, according to officials with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Park naturalist Jane Birdsong said division biologist Jim Fregonara will provide families an up-close look at live snakes focused on their … Read more
Black bears are now found in all 55 counties in West Virginia, and officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are warning residents not to feed them, a practice that can promote conflict. Colin Carpenter, a black bear project leader for the division’s Wildlife Resources Section, reminds residents that feeding black bears, the state … Read more
Fifty elk will be released “softly” into the mountains of southern West Virginia this summer in an effort to reestablish the animal in its native range, and another 20 calves may be on their way as some of the cows are pregnant, state officials say. Transported from Arizona over the last year, the herd will … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will host a public ceremony May 15 to introduce 50 elk recently acquired from Arizona. Gov. Jim Justice and division director Stephen McDaniel will speak about this next important step in the state’s elk reintroduction program. The event, which will start at 1 p.m. at the Tomblin Wildlife Management … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources and U.S. Geological Survey have confirmed that a northern snakehead fish was killed in another body of water and illegally dumped into Opequon Creek near W.Va. Route 9 in Berkeley County. [Add your comments about this potentially devastating crime below!] The survey received the dead fish at its Leetown … Read more
Winter is the only season in which several remarkable species are present in West Virginia, and nearly every storm brings new avian visitors. One thing is certain: you’ll never see these rarities if you’re not out there looking. Get out, search a little, and you could be greatly rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Snowy Owls … Read more
West Virginia’s official weather-predicting groundhog, French Creek Freddie will leave his den Feb. 2 to predict the approach of spring and is inviting visitors to join him at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center at French Creek south of Buckhannon, West Virginia. “We’re excited to see everyone come out this year, including those who travel … Read more
Hunters in West Virginia harvested 3,160 black bears during the combined 2017 archery and firearms seasons, which is the second highest recorded bear kill in state history. Due to more abundant mast production in 2017, the Division of Natural Resources expected a decrease in the archery harvest and an increase in the December firearms harvest … Read more
