Wildlife in North Carolina | Animals You May Encounter

Whether out hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sandy shoreline, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Great Outdoors on a Sunset Beach vacation. However, you aren’t the only ones out enjoying Mother Nature’s beauty. There’s no shortage of wildlife in North Carolina that call this region home. During your next stay at a rental from Sunset Vacations, see how many of the following animals you can find on your adventures.

A Checklist of Animals Around Sunset Beach

From birds flying high to reptiles basking in the sun and everything in between, there’s so much wildlife you might encounter on your Sunset Beach outings. No matter what animal you come across, remember to stay a safe distance away.

Birds

If you love birdwatching, you’re in luck. There are plenty of species found in and around Sunest Beach. To help you identify them, we recommend using a field guide or downloading an app. Common sightings include:

• Brown pelicans gliding in formation over the surf
• Great blue herons wading in marshes and tidal creeks
• Opsrey diving for fish
• Snowy and great egrets in shallow coastal wetlands
• Belted kingfisher sitting on docks or creek edges

Reptiles

This region is also home to several reptiles, both big and small, including:

• American alligators in the brackish marshes and waterways
• Various skins and anoles darting through dunes and shrubs
• Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach from May through August
• Eastern box turtles in grassy/wooded areas

Aquatic Life

Some of the best things to do on your Sunset Beach vacation take place on or near the water. Whether going for a sunset stroll or kayaking, see if you can spot any of these creatures:

• Ghost crabs scurrying across the sand at night
• Bottlenose dolphin playing in the water
• Various sharks offshore, including sand tiger and spinner sharks

Mammals

As you’re heading from your Sunset Beach rental to your chosen activity, you might just encounter some of the mammals that call the area home, such as:

• White-tailed deer are common on the mainland side
• River otters are often spotted in tidal creeks and marshes
• Marsh rabbits in the grassy dune edges

Take in the Sights From Your Sunset Beach Rental

You don’t have to travel far to look for wildlife in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. You never know what you’ll see from the comfort of your Sunset Vacations rental. Our accommodations are found all over Sunset Beach, including many right on the waterfront. This means you can easily start and end your day on the back porch with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, listening to the sounds of nature.

Start planning your next escape from everyday life by browsing our inventory of Sunset Beach house rentals. While all of our rentals come with the comforts of home, each is unique. Let one of our team members help you find your perfect fit by calling 800-331-6428.