Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Bulls Island is located in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge near Charleston, South Carolina. The refuge was established in 1932. Stretching for 22 miles along the coast of South Carolina, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is a rich natural resource. The ocean, the bays, the coast and the maritime forest , as well as the plants and animals that live in each, make this one of the most productive environments on earth. Each of these is dependent on the delicate balance of the marshlands.

Bulls Island (S.C.) Stop 4
Episode 11

Video

Great Egret birds, whose nests were initially destroyed by Hurricane Hugo, have flocked back to the island to rebuild their homes.
Bulls Island (S.C.) Stop 5
Episode 12

Video

“Ghost Beach” - Rudy and Jim further assess the damage to the island by Hurricane Hugo. The pines and live oaks at the shore line are gone, but the Palmetto trees survived. The water is slowly eroding...
Yellow Rat Snake | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)
Yellow Rat Snake | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Photo

• Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata • Long, powerful constrictor 86.4 - 256.5 cm (34 - 101 inches) long • Skillful climber • Three different adult color patterns; plain, striped and blotched • Mates April...
Yellow Jessamine | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)
Yellow Jessamine | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Photo

• Gelsemium sempervirens • Sometimes called "Jasamer" in South Carolina • Other common names are Woodbine, Carolina, Evening Trumpet Flower • South Carolina's state flower • Woody climbing vine with...
Wild Turkey | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)
Wild Turkey | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Photo

• Melegris gallopavo • Males 122 cm (48 inches); females 91 cm (36 inches) • Tail tipped with chestnut • Familiar "gobble" sound • Often roost over water • Polygamous • Swift runners • Habitats...
White Tailed Deer | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)
White Tailed Deer | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Photo

• Odocoileus virginianus • Important game mammal, but illegal to hunt in wildlife refuge • Similar to Mule Deer, Elk, Caribou, Moose and Pronghorn • Large white tail • Capable of running 56 - 64 kmps...
Southern Magnolia | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)
Southern Magnolia | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Photo

Magnolia grandiflora • Leathery leafed evergreen tree • Foliage shiny above and rusty-hairy below • Leaves rounded at base • Twigs and buds rusty-hairy • Height 60 - 80 feet • White and fragrant...
Yucca Skipper | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)
Yucca Skipper | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Photo

• Megathymus yuccae • Head narrower than thorax • Antennae not hooked at tip, but with large club • Hind tibiae with only one pair of spurs • Fast flying with wingspan of 40 mm or more • Holds wings...
Sand Dollar | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)
Sand Dollar | Bulls Island Natural Area (S.C.)

Photo

• Mellita quinquiesperforata • Flat version of sea urchin • Fused skeletal plate forms rigid exoskeleton (test) • Lives in shallow water, using sand as protection • Male and female cannot be...