The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has released the dates for its highly anticipated annual synchronous firefly viewing and the accompanying reservation lottery. Each year in late May or early June, the firefly species Photinus carolinus creates a rare natural spectacle by flashing in synchrony. This phenomenon attracts hundreds of visitors eager to witness the display. This year, the official viewing event will take place near Elkmont from...

One of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s ongoing projects, the Kiewit Interstate 40 Bridges Project, includes targeted efforts to reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife—particularly bears—through the use of specially designed accommodations. As part of the project, wildlife guards have been installed at strategic locations, including Exit 7 in the Pigeon River Gorge. These guards are intended to prevent bears and other an...