Date: May 13, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Polk County Public Libraries, Saluda Branch

Speaker: Mark Ray, NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Engagement Program Specialist

Thanks to conservation efforts, black bears have made a dramatic comeback in North Carolina. As bears expand into areas with suitable habitat, it is important for communities to learn how to coexist with them. Living with bears is part of life in North Carolina.

Mark has been an advocate outdoorsman his entire life, being a native of the NC Appalachian Mountains. His desire to extend his outdoors love and knowledge led him to employment with the NCWRC as an Enforcement Officer in March of 2007. He has worked from Manteo to Murphy with NCWRC Agency and has developed an even greater love for this state and its wildlife resources. He currently lives in Macon County with his wife/best friend.  As of September 2016, he has worked as an educator, coordinator, and program developer with the NCWRC education division. It is Mark’s goal to continue providing quality programs for all of the great constituents throughout this state.

The Saluda Library Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Polk County Public Libraries Systems.

Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.