Insects and Animal Safety

Insects

Insects have always been a part of life at Cape Hatteras. Be prepared for insects by bringing appropriate clothing and/or insect repellant.

• Biting flies, also called "yellow flies" or "deerflies", are most active in late spring and appear again in August.
• Chiggers are small red mites that live in grassy areas. Chigger "cures" are ineffective because the bug is gone before the itching begins.
• Mosquitos can be vectors of disease, besides giving itchy bites. Wearing repellant with DEET will reduce the chances of being bitten, but follow the directions carefully.
• Sand gnats, also called the "sand fly" or "no see-um”, appears in large numbers during mild temperatures.
• Ticks come in a variety of species on the Outer Banks. Wearing insect repellant, tucking pants into socks, and inspecting for ticks after a visit is recommended when venturing into grassy areas and the maritime forests.

 

Animals

There is a large variety of wlidlife at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, including several species of posionous snakes. Always keep a respectable distance from all wildilfe, do not attempt to pick up any animals, and treat any unknown snake bite as if it is posionious and call 911.

Animals like squirrels, raccons, and feral animals can bite, and can transmit a variety of wildlife diseases. Do not feed any wildlife for their well-being and your safety.