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Flora and Fauna at Carolina Sandhills NWR Historically, bison, Florida panther, red wolf, and black bear were all found in the region now comprising the Carolina Sandhills Refuge before habitat fragmentation caused their demise. Although these magnificent creatures have disappeared from the landscape, an abundance of other wildlife species are still found and are now protected on the Refuge. The Refuge supports a wide variety of plants and animals including 190 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, and 25 species of amphibians. Several state and federally listed threatened and endangered species are found on the Refuge, including the pine barrens tree frog, the southern bald eagle, and the red-cockaded woodpecker. Contents: the Mammals of Carolina Sandhills... the Amphibians and Reptiles of Carolina Sandhills... the Plants at Carolina Sandhills... the Birds at Carolina Sandhills... The Mammals of Carolina Sandhills... Historically, bison, Florida panther, red wolf, and black bear were all found in the region now comprising the Carolina Sandhills Refuge before habitat fragmentation caused their demise. Although these magnificent creatures have disappeared from the landscape, an abundance of other wildlife species are still found and are now protected on the Refuge. Here are a few of the mammals you might expect to see at Carolina Sandhills NWR: Eastern Fox Squirrel -- In the land pine habitat of the Refuge you may see the eastern fox squirrel. This amazingly huge squirrel may weigh nearly three pounds, and measure about two feet in length. It is sometimes initially mistaken for a fox. The eastern fox squirrel spends most of its time on the ground foraging for nuts, and fruits, which it may eat immediately or store for later use River Otter -- The pools and lakes of the Refuge are the best place to spot these popular mammals. A member of the weasel family, the river otter can grow to four feet in length and weigh up to 25 pounds. The otter builds its den in the river bank or a hollow log. Its webbed feet allot it to swim faster than most fish, its primary food. Beaver -- The beaver is North America's largest rodent. Beavers apparently mate for life, breeding in January and February. They build lodges with sticks and mud, complete with underwater entrances. Then they construct dams to maintain the water level at their lodge. The importance of these dams for flood control and soil conditioining has only recently been recognized. The beaver eat only plants, including bark, twigs, and leaves from a variety of trees and shrubs such as poplar, maple, pine, and scrub oaks. White-tailed Deer -- White-tailed deer have more flexible habitat needs than most wildlife species. They can be found in several areas at Carolina Sandhills NWR, including the upland hardwood and pine habitats. Deer feed primarily by browsing; their diet includes leaves, twigs, fruits, and nuts. Restoration efforts such as improved habitat management have resulted in an increased deer population at the Refuge. (Back to top) The Amphibians and Reptiles of Carolina Sandhills... Please note that all reptiles and amphibians on the Refuge are protected; collecting or harassing of any species without a permit is prohibited. Amphibians The amphibians you'll see at Carolina Sandhills include toads, “true” frogs, tree frogs, and salamanders. All these species share a fundamental attachment to water. All the amphibians place their eggs either in the water or in very moist places. So, the best places to look for amphibians will be the many tributaries or the man-made ponds that exist on the Refuge.     Reptiles Many of the reptiles are found close to the many small bodies of water on the refuge, however, unlike the amphibians, reptiles are not linked to the water to reproduce and deposit eggs. During the warmer months, be alert for species of reptiles crossing the numerous roads that crisscross the refuge. Here is a listing of reptiles and amphibians that have been spotted at Carolina Sandhills: List supplied by William B Blihovde Toads Eastern Spadefoot Toad Southern Toad Fowler’s Toad Oak Toad Eastern Narrowmouth Toad “True” Frogs Bullfrog Carpenter Frog Green Frog Southern Leapord Frog Treefrogs Southern Cricket Frog Spring Pepper Upland Chorus Frog Pine Barrens Treefrog Green Treefrog Barking Treefrog Pine Woods Treefrog Squirrel Treefrog Gray Treefrog Salamanders Two-toed Amphiuma Lesser Siren Dwarf Mudpuppy Eastern Newt Northern Dusky Salamander Slimy Salamander Mud Salamander Red Salamander Northern Two-lined Salamander Dwarf Salamander Tiger Salamander Turtles Snapping Turtle Eastern Musk Turtle Eastern Mud Turtle Spotted Turtle Eastern Box Turtle Yellow-belly Slider Florida Cooter Lizards Eastern Anole Eastern Fence Lizard Six-lined Racerunner Ground Skink Broadhead Skink Southeastern Five-lined Skink Five-lined Skink Eastern Glass Lizard Non-Venomous Snakes Brown Water Snake Redbelly Water Snake Northern Water Snake Banded Water Snake Black Swamp Snake Glossy Crayfish Snake Queen Snake Brown Snake Redbelly Snake Eastern Garter Snake Rough Earth Snake Eastern Hognose Snake Southern Hognose Snake Mud Snake Black Racer Eastern Coachwhip Rough Green Snake Corn Snake Black Rat Snake Pine Snake Eastern Kingsnake Scarlet Kingsnake Mole Kingsnake Scarlet Snake Southeastern Crowned Snake Venomous Snakes Copperhead Cottonmouth Canebrake Rattlesnake Pigmy Rattlesnake (Back to top) The Plants of Carolina Sandhills... To date more than 750 species of plants have been identified at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. Of special interest are the carnivorous pitcher plants, which you can find at the Oxpen area. Young boys especially find these plants, which actually trap and devour flies and other insects, a special treat when visiting Carolina Sandhills. You can download a list of the common and showy flowering plants found on the Refuge (the file is in .pdf format). The plants are arranged according to time of blooming, and include the scientific names. Please remember that all plants on the Refuge are protected and should be left for all of the public to enjoy. (Back to top)   The Birds of Carolina Sandhills... Because birding is so popular at Carolina Sandhills NWR, bird watching is a separate section on this site. Here you'll find a complete species list of those birds that have been seen on the Refuge, as well as hints on where to see specific birds such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. (Back to top)