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.
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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 may be among the best destinations for birding in the U.S. More than 300 species call the state home (at least temporarily, as many overwinter in the tropics). I asked naturalist Randy Bodkins which summer denizens were most likely to be spotted by those of us who have the opportunity to get out and … Read more
