Hunting in North Carolina: 5 Animals Designated Nongame, Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species

While there are numerous game animals to hunt in North Carolina, the state also includes several animals that are protected as nongame, endangered or threatened species. These animals are not eligible for hunting in the state. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission lists these animals in three categories: endangered, threatened, and special concern.

Here is a look at some of the protected animals in North Carolina.

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1. Carolina Northern Flying Squirrels

This distinct species of the flying squirrel is endangered because of the clearing of forests, pollution and fragmentation. The state asks for trapped and boxed squirrels of this breed to be measured, marked and released as part of a monitoring project.

2. Eastern Cougars

The Eastern cougar was wiped out of North Carolina, despite once being a majestic mainstay in the state. Some hunters have claimed to see cougars or their tracks, but most of these sightings have been discounted and often are proven as other animals, according to the Wildlife Resources Commission.

3. Bats

There are seven species of bats that are protected species and are off-limits for hunting in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, bats are very important to the ecosystem as they disperse seed and pollen and allow forest regrowth. They also help cut down on the insect population as a female bat can eat her weight in insects every day.

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4. Bald Eagles

Another federal endangered species is the bald eagle, which is listed as threatened in North Carolina. The large reason for the loss of bald eagles is deforestation as well as trapping and shooting by hunters. North Carolina has worked hard to help repopulate the bald eagle, starting out in 1982 by raising them in captivity and then releasing them back into the wild. There are now more than 80 protected nesting territories in North Carolina.

5. Sea Turtles

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission started a protection program for sea turtles in 1983. There are five sea turtle species living along the coast, and all five are listed as federally endangered. The program checks on turtle nest activity and documents the reproductive success and mortality of the species.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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