Wildlife at Preserve at Rock Creek
Over 117 different wildlife species have been identified at Rock Creek. The combination of the protected forest, the grassy meadow, and Rock Creek itself makes a perfect habitat for animals native to the mountains of North Carolina. Conservation of the land is a priority, as the property is close neighbors with Nantahala National Forest and Panthertown Valley, a black bear sanctuary.
Usually early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to spot wildlife on the Preserve.
The White-Tailed Deer
The White-Tailed Deer is native to our area. It is a medium-sized deer found as far north as Canada and as far south as Panama. While this deer has adapted well to the Appalachian Mountains it also can survive the desert-like climates of Arizona and New Mexico.
It is easily recognized by its white tail which it uses to signal danger. The male deer is called a "buck". His size and weight can vary from 130 to 359 pounds depending on the food source and the gene pool. Our deer in the mountains are of an average size. The female is smaller, usually weighing between 90 to 130 pounds. They are reddish-brown in the spring and summer but their coat turns to a grayish-brown in the fall. The females do not have antlers and the bucks shed their antlers around February. Sometimes you can find a "shed" walking in the woods or fields where deer feed. The bucks begin growing their antlers back again in early spring.
The mating season is short, usually around two weeks. The female, or doe, will normally have one or two fawns.
Deer in the wild are usually shy and frighten easily. If you are very still and quiet you have a better chance of observing them. (1)
The Wild Turkey
The Wild Turkey is a large game bird found predominately in the Eastern United States. It was Benjamin Franklin's choice for the national bird.
Turkeys forage on the ground and can climb shrubs to eat berries. They usually feed on acorns, seeds, berries, roots, and insects. Sometimes they will eat snakes, frogs, or salamanders.
They exhibit strong sexual dimorphism. The males have red wattles on their throats and necks and are significantly larger than the females. During mating they drag their wings and parade in front of the hens, establishing territories with as many as 5 hens. The male gobbles, the females cluck. Wild Turkeys breed in wooded areas, usually with clearings. "They nest on the ground at the bottom of a tree, shrub, or in tall grass."
At night they roost in trees. They will escape on foot whenever possible, but are capable of reaching speeds of 50 mph in flight. (2)
Other Wildlife on The Preserve
Other wildlife native to the property are the black bear, bobcats, foxes, hawks, falcons, grouse, owls, wild birds, and salamanders. The green salamander can sometimes be found in the moist rock outcroppings near Rock Creek. If you do encounter this charming fellow we ask you not to disturb him. He is on the North Carolina conservation list of endangered species and lives in a friendly environment on our conservation easement property.
Come Visit Us!
The peace and harmony with nature at this beautiful preserve is an experience you will never forget. We invite you to come and share it with us.
Please call: 1-800-259-3551
Email: Info@Preserveatrockcreeknc.com
Footnotes:
1.http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/White-tailed_Deer,
March 4, 2006.
2. http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Wild_Turkey,
March 4, 2006.
