The Cape Fear region offers a variety of landscapes: maritime forests, freshwater ponds and springs, briny marshes, and of course, beautiful beaches.

As a result of the different ecosystems, the region also offers an array of wildlife species. Here are some facts about some of the area's wildlife.

121

The number of native mammal species in North Carolina.

19 ^th century

The last time there was a confirmed sighting of a Carolina panther in the state.

500,000

The number of individual insects that can be found in a single invasive fire ant mound in North Carolina.

20

The estimated number of red wolves left in the wild, all of which roam coastal North Carolina. The red wolf is one of the most endangered animals in the world.

356

Estimated population of the North Atlantic right whale , about 70 of which are breeding females. The highly endangered whales migrate along the N.C. coast.

15.3 million

Pounds of hard-shell blue crabs harvested in North Carolina in 2023, making it the top fisheries species by weight.

13

The length, in feet, that male alligators in North Carolina can reach. Female alligators typically grow to less than 9 feet.