7/25/2023 0 Comments Outbank nc ratoles 2018![]() ![]() Deerĭeer are frequently seen around the Outer Banks in wooded areas. If you have your windows open at night and hear a little howling, it’s likely one of our furry grey friends singing at the stars. Foxes hunt near sunrise or sunset, but it’s not unusual to see them out and about during the day. They’re small - much smaller than wolves - so there’s no mistaking a sighting. Grey foxes can be seen all over the Outer Banks. Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat and are most often seen at dawn or dusk. However, every so often one of these short-tailed felines decides to take a beach break and surprise everyone. Bobcatsīobcats are so elusive that most locals don’t know they exist in the Outer Banks. Today they are more common and may be seen at dusk or dawn along streams and creeks. Once prized for their pelts, these water mammals disappeared from the area until the late 1930s. If you’re staying in Corolla, you may get lucky and catch a glimpse of a mink, beaver, or muskrat. Spot these magnificent creatures around the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, or keep an ear out for their haunting songs at night. Once thought to be virtually extinct, red wolves have made a comeback in recent years. Best to steer clear, give them space and don’t feed them. Black bears don’t have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are bears after all. Black bears are frequently seen in the islands, especially in Currituck and around the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Many folks driving into the Outer Banks are surprised to see a black bear standing alongside, or crossing, the road. They are common on Roanoke Island, where you may see dozens upon dozens at twilight. ![]() ![]() Hares are much larger than rabbits, with long back legs and ears. If you are wondering why Outer Banks bunnies are so massive, it’s because they’re not bunnies - they’re hares. They’re skittish, so watch from a distance and let them go their way. You probably won’t see them in town or on the beach, but if you’re exploring the rural areas of Corolla, you may spot one rooting around for a meal. Outer Banks wild boar are big, and they have long tusks and bad attitudes. Wild boars are common to barrier islands because they’re good swimmers. You’re most likely to see them on Corolla beaches and in Ocracoke, but they have been seen elsewhere. Banker ponies are protected, and they have the run of the place. These horses are believed to be descendants of Spanish horses that swam ashore after shipwrecks hundreds of years ago. Of course, the wild horses of the Outer Banks, known as “banker ponies,” are the most famous residents of the islands. Watch for dolphin from the beach or pier, or take a special dolphin-watching boat ride to maximize your chances of seeing these slippery critters. Dolphins can pop up anywhere in the water - in the calm waters of the sound or inlet, to the choppy waves near the beach or offshore. ![]() DolphinsĮveryone’s favorite Outer Banks animal is the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. Remember: If you see a turtle or a nest, don’t disturb it. Watch for sandy mounds on the beach, especially near the dunes. Here are some of the most popular animals to see in the Outer Banks: Sea Turtlesįive different kinds of sea turtles nest on Outer Banks beaches: leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead, and green turtles. This incredible 22,000-square-foot education center is the ideal place to bone up on animals you might see, so you know what you’re spotting as you enjoy your getaway. To learn about our native critters, the best place to start your vacation is at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla. Home to a vast range of unique wildlife, this region features lots of protected and unspoiled land that encourages growth in animal populations. If you get excited at the thought of being surrounded by animals, the Outer Banks will become your new favorite vacation spot. ![]()
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