Date: July 15, 2023

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

In 2007, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission received the first confirmed sighting of a nine-banded armadillo in North Carolina. Since that time, the number of counties with confirmed observations has increased to 26, with established populations in 5 western counties. As the only mammal in North Carolina with its own shell, come learn more about our unique new resident and how you can help us monitor its range expansion.

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.

*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, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.