Mildred the Bear Wildlife Habitats, Linville

About Mildred the Bear Wildlife Habitats

Mildred the Bear Wildlife Habitats in Linville showcases native animals in large environmental enclosures that simulate natural settings. Visitors observe cougars, black bears, bald eagles, river otters and elk from designated viewing areas positioned only a few feet from the animals. Moats and elevated retaining walls separate guests from the habitats while allowing close viewing. A special aquarium-like viewing area lets visitors watch river otters swimming above and below the water. The habitats are named for Mildred the Bear, a beloved resident from 1966 to 1993. Located adjacent to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, the wildlife habitats feature animals that no longer inhabit the wild in North Carolina, offering a perspective on what encounters with these creatures might resemble in nature. The facility allows visitors to see how these animals live in settings designed to reflect their native environments.