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Abundant
Wildlife
Tyrrell County is home to several species of
rare and endangered animals. The magnificent
red wolf, once eradicated from the wild, has
been successfully reintroduced through
captive breeding programs. Tyrrell Co unty is one of only
five mainland counties in the nation to
support populations of red wolves in the
wild.
The red-cockaded woodpecker, listed
as endangered in 1970 due to habitat loss
and degradation, also thrives in Tyrrell
County. In fact, the Palmetto-Peartree
Preserve supports the largest population of
these birds on private land in the state.
Additional endangered species found in this
area include the bald eagle and peregrine
falcon, and once endangered American
alligator.
More common
but no less fascinating to see, black bears,
deer, fox, raccoons, rabbits, otters,
bobcats, weasels, turtles, lizards, and many
other species live here. This area
is a hot spot for birders who can expect to
find everything from long-legged wading
birds such as the great blue heron and egret
to birds of prey like the red-shouldered
hawk, osprey, horned owl, and bald eagle. During winter months Tyrrell County
experiences an influx of migratory
waterfowl including tundra swans, snow
geese, and wood ducks. When the weather
warms neotropical migratory songbirds fill
the trees, returning from the forests of
Central and South America to breed and
fledge their young.
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