Not only is the Outer Banks home to a wealth of adventure, but it’s also home to an array of wildlife. Some of the most popular things do on a vacation to Sea Ranch Resort might include a sighting of one or more of the animals that call this region home. To help you gain a better understanding of the wildlife that calls the Outer Banks home, we’ve put together this guide.
The best time to look for wildlife is early morning or evening, as many animals are more active then. If you do come upon wildlife, be sure to stay a safe distance back and never feed or disturb animals or nests. Keep reading to learn more about the animals you might see on your adventures.
Aquatic Creatures
If you’re out for a swim or fishing with a local charter, you might just stumble upon some creatures that call the waters off our beach home. One of the most popular is the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. While you can often see them right from the beach, one of the best ways to see them is on a tour with local guides like Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours.
Another popular animal is the sea turtle. There are a number of species common to the OBX, including loggerhead, green, and Kemp’s ridley. They are normally found on the beach between March and July when they come to shore to nest. Keep an eye out for marked, protected areas that are roped off on the beach.
Flying Friends
Some of the easiest animals to spot are birds. The local beaches and marshes near our hotel in Kill Devil Hills are home to an array of seabirds and shorebirds. Both Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge are excellent places to go birdwatching. You might just spot everything from osprey to herons to sandpipers and so much more.
Other Animals
OBX is home to a wide assortment of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. If exploring Nags Head Woods or other wooded areas, see if you can spot white-tailed deer, gray foxes, or marsh rabbits. The woods and freshwater ponds are home to lizards like skinks and snakes, most of which are harmless.
Plan Your Next Unforgettable Outer Banks Vacation at Sea Ranch Resort
Thanks to our beachfront location, you can easily spot Outer Banks wildlife right from Sea Ranch Resort. Start your morning on your room’s private balcony, where you might just spot dolphins playing in the early-morning sunshine. End your day going for a nighttime stroll along the shoreline as you look for ghost crabs.
See for yourself why families, couples, and groups of all sizes have made our beach resort in North Carolina their preferred OBX home base. Between our array of accommodations, on-site amenities, and cost-saving special offers, we have everything you could want or need. Call 252-441-7126 to learn more about our Outer Banks resort.