The snout of Impidens compared with the complete skull of its much smaller relative Trirachodon. Photo: Dr. Christian Kammerer.

Giant protomammal snout reveals new Triassic top predator

July 29, 2021

The snout of Impidens compared with the complete skull of its much smaller relative Trirachodon. Photo: Dr. Christian Kammerer/NCMNS. Click to enlarge. New research by scientists from the Evolutionary Studies Institute (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Dr. Christian Kammerer (NCMNS Research Curator of Paleontology) has revealed the existence of a new species of giant, predatory cynodont…. Read More >


Stoat (Mustela erminea) by Brian Long.

Museum researcher contributes to study tracking weasel declines in US, Canada

July 28, 2021

Stoat (Mustela erminea) by Brian Long. Three weasel species once common across much of the United States and Canada are now in decline according to a new study co-authored by researchers from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Clemson University and New Mexico State University. The study centered on the status of three weasel… Read More >


Rhett's fossil

Museum paleontologist responds to fossil finding in Brunswick County

A curious and observant seven-year-old from Brunswick County named Rhett recently made a potential dinosaur discovery in his area and knew exactly who to write to in order to get the facts: the Museum! Rhett’s inquiry is transcribed below: Dear Sir or Madam, Hi! I’m Rhett and I’m seven years old. I found something that… Read More >


David Gagnon transplanting milkweed

Monarch Meadow: Butterfly conservation effort spreads its wings

David Gagnon cares for plants he has grown from seed in individual pots that will eventually be transplanted in Monarch Meadow at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Contentnea Creek. The milkweed, forefront, will feed the monarch larvae (caterpillars) once they have hatched from eggs. Photo: Deborah Griffin/The Daily Reflector. By Kim Grizzard,… Read More >


Monarch about to lay egg on common milkweed.

Native Plants for North Carolina Butterfly Gardens

July 27, 2021

Do you know the difference between a cocoon and a chrysalis? What kinds of plants do caterpillars eat? And what kinds of butterflies and moths can you find across North Carolina? —From NC Culture Kids Why garden with plants that are native to North Carolina? Native plants attract many pollinators, including some showy butterflies! Native… Read More >