Date: July 16, 2022

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve

Speaker: Colleen Olfenbuttel, Black Bear & Furbearer Biologist, NC Wildlife Resources Commission

The coyote is considered the most adaptable mammal in North America and has lived in North Carolina since the early 1980’s. Their flexibility allows them to live in a wide variety of habitats, including golf courses, cemeteries, towns, and neighborhoods. In recent years, coyotes have become social media influencers based on the number of tweetstorms and viral social media posts that have been generated, mainly due to the folklore and myths surrounding this species. Come learn the myths and facts of our state’s coyote populations, as well as how you and your neighbors can safely co-exist with our newest wild neighbor.

Colleen is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, is the Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist for North Carolina. She received her Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from Ohio University and her Masters of Science in Wildlife Management from Virginia Tech. Colleen has had a career in wildlife for over 25 years, co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal publications, and has worked with brown bears, black bears, island foxes, gray wolves, coyotes, river otters, deer, goshawks, and other species throughout the United States. She has been the Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission since 2007.

PLEASE NOTE:

As of 6/6/22 and until further notice, due to CDC guidelines, Conserving Carolina’s COVID policy states – provided our county’s COVID-19 community level stays in the “medium” to “low” level, determined by the CDC – we are no longer requiring masks indoors, there is no need for proof of vaccination and/or negative test, and we are no longer limiting numbers; however, capacity of the space is 100.  Registration is still required below.

*This is subject to change if our community level increases or something unforeseen occurs with the virus.  Of course, we encourage participants to do what makes them comfortable.

Polk County is currently in the “Low” COVID-19 Community Level and the CDC’s current recommendations are:

*Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).  Thank you.

Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information.