Mildred the Bear Wildlife Habitats

Mildred the Bear Wildlife Habitats at Grandfather Mountain in Avery County, North Carolina, offers visitors an up-close encounter with native Appalachian wildlife in large, naturalistic environmental enclosures. The habitats are home to black bears, cougars, bald eagles, river otters, and elk, all viewable from specially designed platforms and moats that bring guests within feet of these remarkable animals. A highlight is an aquarium-style viewing area that lets visitors observe river otters both above and below the water's surface. Adjacent to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, the habitats complement the broader Grandfather Mountain experience and feature an Adopt-an-Animal program that allows guests to support the resident wildlife. The combination of dramatic mountain scenery and intimate wildlife viewing makes this a memorable destination for nature lovers of all ages.