It’s a Zoo Out There

Written By: Jeff Alt | Issue: 2016/07 - July

One of the many magical things about our mountains is the chance – often unexpected – to meet the creatures with which we share this beautiful area.  

The 13th annual Mountain Wildlife Days, July 15 through 16, at the Sapphire Valley Resort, will once again offer something for all ages in getting “back to nature.”  Be prepared to meet and learn about the animals that live outside our back doors – and some that come from a little farther away. 

Friday’s (July 15) daytime activities offer a wide variety of free programs: 

• 9:00 A.M. – A “Let’s Get Acquainted with our Birds” walk led by Russell Regnery, President of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.  Twenty-four different species of birds, including Eastern Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Blue-headed Vireo, Chipping, and Swamp Sparrow, are often seen in this area. 

• 9:30 A.M. – Two nature hikes are planned – an easy hike and one of a more moderate category.  Venues are yet to be determined.

• 3:30 P.M. – “Birds of Prey” program by Michael Skinner of the Balsam Mountain Trust.  This is a free, open presentation, designed specifically for Sapphire Valley Resort campers, Boys and Girls Club members, and other youth groups in the area.  –

Popular nature photographer and naturalist Bill Lea will once again entertain at the 7:00 P.M. Friday evening event.  This year, Bill’s program, “Bobcats, Foxes, and More – God Made Predators, Too!,” will focus on bobcats, foxes, coyotes, and wolves – all amazing animals when you spend time with them and learn their individual personalities and behaviors.  Unfortunately, many of these animals and their vital roles in our eco-systems are misunderstood. 

Entry fee for the Friday evening program is $5 for adults; children with adults, free.

Saturday’s schedule is a full and entertaining one:

• 9:30 A.M. –  Exhibits and Silent Auction Open (Evergreen Room)

• 10:00-10-50 A.M. – “Life of A Black Bear” featuring Cynthia Strain of the B.E.A.R. taskforce, along with an entertaining visit by “Arthur the Bear.”

• 10:50-11:00 A.M. –  Break, with Exhibits and Silent Auction Open.

• 11:00-11:50 A.M. – “Hunters in the Sky,” a unique look at Carlton Burke’s birds of prey.  

• 12-00-1:00 P.M. – Lunch Break – Exhibits and Silent Auction Open

• 1:00-1:45 P.M. – “Wolves-Our Most Misunderstood Animal,” Rob Gudger and his wolves, will be returning to Mountain Wildlife Days for an informative and exciting program.

• 1:45-2:00 P.M. – Break, with Final Silent Auction Bids

• 2:00-2:50 P.M. – “Unique Animals from Australia,” Wildlife Wonders of the North Georgia Zoo will provide a close-up look at some of their “live and unusual” animals from Australia.

A silent auction will be held Saturday with proceeds going to Mountain Wildlife Days’ Western North Carolina Wildlife Outreach.  This program provides important wildlife and outdoor education for schools and other organizations throughout Western North Carolina. Auction items will go on display at 6:30 P.M. at the Sapphire Valley Community Center prior to Friday evening’s program, with bidding throughout the day
on Saturday. 

Mountain Wildlife Days is co-sponsored by the Sapphire Valley Resort and financially supported by sponsors and friends of wildlife.  For more information on Mountain Wildlife Days and to make reservations for Friday’s bird walk or hikes, visit the Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center or call (828) 743-7663.  Information is also available at mountainwildlifedays.com.