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Wildlife / Conservancy

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.

A black bear hides in a thicket in rural West Virginia

State to poll residents regarding black bears in W.Va.

October 18, 2017 by Will Reedy

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is conducting a study of state residents’ opinions on and attitudes toward black bears and black bear management. According to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the division, residents may receive a phone call from Responsive Management, a research firm contracted to conduct the study, asking them … Read more

Wildlife / Conservancy

Heron Festival set for Oct. 14 at Beech Fork State Park

October 13, 2017 by Will Reedy

Beech Fork State Park near Huntington, W.Va., will host its 2017 Heron Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14. A celebration of one of the park’s most notable residents, the event is also a day for family fun, including free pontoon boat and hayrides, children’s games, art and crafts, gospel music and other events and activities, according … Read more

Deer crossing rural road in West Virginia

Wildlife / Conservancy

40 percent of deer-vehicle collisions occur Oct.-Dec.

October 11, 2017 by David Sibray

Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are urging motorists to use extra cautious while driving in the fall when vehicle collisions with deer tend to rise. More than 40 percent of deer-vehicle collisions take place during breeding season between October and December, according to Tyler Evans, a wildlife biologist with the division’s … Read more

Wildlife / Conservancy

Redesigned interactive hunting and fishing map of West Virginia available

September 25, 2017 by Will Reedy

An updated, online interactive map that provides valuable information on hunting and fishing adventures in West Virginia is now accessible on smartphones and tablets, according to Stephen McDaniel, director of the state Division of Natural Resources. Hunters will find the locations of license agents, check stations, public shooting ranges, wildlife management areas, Class-Q hunter-access roads … Read more

Wildlife / Conservancy

W.Va. DNR: be wary when encountering river otters

June 19, 2017 by Will Reedy

Two people recently were bitten by a river otter while boating on Dunkard Creek in Monongalia County near Mason-Dixon Historical Park, according to a spokesman for the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Division officials are reminding the public to exercise caution around these aquatic mammals. River otters have large home ranges in and along many … Read more

The legendary overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest provides a view of more than 30 miles across the valley of the Monongahela River. (Photo courtesy W.Va. State Parks)

Wildlife / Conservancy

Migratory Bird Day being celebrated May 13 at Coopers Rock

May 10, 2017 by Will Reedy

The Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia will celebrate Morgantown Migratory Bird Day on May 13 at Coopers Rock State Forest, according to forest officials. The celebration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a guided bird walk on the Raven Rock Trail. Afterward, participants may gather in the pavilion near the Cheat canyon overlook to enjoy coffee, a … Read more

Hiker At Kanawha State Forest in West Virginia

Wildlife / Conservancy

Saturday birding hikes return to Kanawha State Forest

May 4, 2017 by Will Reedy

The popular “Birding Around the Sun” nature hikes will return to Kanawha State Forest this May, and, for the third year, the hikes will be led by Sara Miller, a seasonal naturalist for two years who’s returning as a volunteer naturalist this year. Miller has recorded many species seen and heard in the forest since the beginning … Read more

Wildlife / Conservancy

W.Va. launches citizen’s initiative to document timber rattlesnakes

April 13, 2017 by Will Reedy

Wildlife biologists are asking the public to become involved in a research project aimed at determining the current distribution of timber rattlesnakes in West Virginia. Although many people fear rattlesnakes and may want to kill them, the reptiles are a critical part of healthy forest ecosystems, says Kevin Oxenrider, a biologist with the W.Va. Division … Read more

Sharp-lobed Hepatica, Stonecliff Trail, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve,

Wildlife / Conservancy

14th annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend April 28-30

March 18, 2017 by David Sibray

Celebrate the glory of Appalachian spring on the New River, in the New River Gorge, and beyond during the fourteenth annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend, April 28 to 30, featuring ranger-guided hikes and programs in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, at Tamarack, and in Babcock, Hawks Nest, Little Beaver, Pipestem Resort … Read more

Wildlife / Conservancy

W.Va. Wildlife Center welcomes new baby bison

May 22, 2014 by David Sibray

The newest resident of the West Virginia Wildlife Center at French Creek is accepting visitors. Born May 2, the female bison, who’s name has not yet been reported, is apparently hale, though a little unsteady, according to Rob Silvester, a wildlife biologist at the center. “A bison calf can walk almost immediately after birth, albeit … Read more

West Virginia state parks celebrate National Trails Day with hikes, volunteer events

Iconic “Almost Heaven” swing added to Cedar Creek State Park in central West Virginia

Monongahela National Forest seeks conservation proposals in five West Virginia counties

Seneca Rocks draws excited new crowds to West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest

Chinn, Noble appointed to key leadership roles at West Virginia Explorer

West Virginia companies honored for expanding at 2026 Governor’s Export Award

WVU study shows pregnant women who move more have better outcomes

W.Va. tourism grows as 2026 Vacation Guide demand reaches record levels

Wild Man of West Virginia? The cave-dwelling lives of Orval Brown and Jack Franklin

Hidden healing spring on historic Pence Springs resort grounds draws new interest

Origin of the name “Pickle Street” remains a central West Virginia mystery

49th annual Vandalia Gathering celebrates old-time and bluegrass music at state capital

Here’s why fishing records are being broken more often now in West Virginia

South Branch ends mourning dove permits; controlled hunt begin at Stonewall Jackson

John Terry catches record-breaking tiger trout in lake at Seneca State Forest

Gravel, bikepacking network connects towns across Monongahela National Forest region

Wildlife / Conservancy

State to poll residents regarding black bears in W.Va.

Heron Festival set for Oct. 14 at Beech Fork State Park

40 percent of deer-vehicle collisions occur Oct.-Dec.

Redesigned interactive hunting and fishing map of West Virginia available

W.Va. DNR: be wary when encountering river otters

Migratory Bird Day being celebrated May 13 at Coopers Rock

Saturday birding hikes return to Kanawha State Forest

W.Va. launches citizen’s initiative to document timber rattlesnakes

14th annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend April 28-30

W.Va. Wildlife Center welcomes new baby bison