More deer hit by NC cars; study

The Charlotte Observer reports that more deer are being hit by cars now that man is encroaching on their habitat.

A new study shows deer-related crashes reported to police hit a high last year in Mecklenburg and across the state, as new residents and increasing development gobble up habitat.

Rapid growth across the state also means fewer places to hunt - still the most effective way to cull the deer population, said Jon Shaw, an N.C. Wildlife Commission biologist in charge of Mecklenburg and nine other western counties.

The above photo shows a deer just before it's hit by the Google Street View car.

Read the full story: It's wild: wrecks due to deer have surged in North Carolina

Photo from Computer Weekly

Fall in North Carolina

USA Today reports on autumnal nature viewing in North Carolina.

Some of the prettiest places to see fall foliage in Western North Carolina also offer scenic views of waterfalls.

The Blue Ridge Parkway will take you to U.S. 276, where you'll find Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. The water in the natural 60-foot waterslide at Sliding Rock is still warm enough to try in early fall.

For hikers, a three-mile trail in DuPont State Forest will take in three waterfalls: Hooker, Triple and the 150-foot High Falls.

Read the full story: Waterfalls and fall foliage mix in North Carolina

Photo of Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest by David Blevins

Sea turtle nests abound in Cape Hatteras Natl Seashore

National Parks Traveler updates the story Ecotravel News has been following on beach closures to allow birds and turtles nest in peace along Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

NPT reports that there are over 100 sea turtle nests, that, according to North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists, is 30 percent above normal

Read the full story: First piping plovers, now sea turtles

Vandals disturb NC beach nesting areas

National Parks Traveler reports that protected bird and turtle nesting beach areas in North Carolina's Cape Hatteras National Seashore are being deliberately trampled on.

The seasonal beach closures are to ensure the nesting and breeding success of endangered native plovers, oyster catchers and turtles - without the harmful effects from off-road vehicles.

Several acts of vandalism have occurred in closed-off areas:

"Rangers on June 4th closed another section of the park beach due to a plover hatch. On Thursday, June 5th, several visitors expressed opposition to this closure. One person deliberately entered the area and was dealt with by law enforcement personnel."

Read the full story: Bird nests and closures spurring civil disobedience