Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

South Carolina Residents Are Already Bugging Out Over Cicadas

Author Phil Harris
The cicadas of Brood XIX are emerging across the Southeast after being dormant for 13 years. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

The cicadas are coming! The cicadas are coming! Actually, they’re already here. My sister-in-law, who lives in Carrboro, North Carolina, has already seen members of Brood XIX emerging from the ground around her house. Her dog finds it unnerving. Then again, so do a lot of people.

Brood XIX comes around every 13 years. NBC News reports that the current cicada invasion is already creating quite a disturbance in one South Carolina county. The little critters are so loud that residents of Newberry County, just northwest of Columbia have been calling their local sheriff’s office and even flagging down deputies to ask why they they keep hearing sirens and jet engines roaring. That roar is the sound of billions of bugs looking for love.

Cicadas In Love

During these cicada cycles, the males sing to attract willing mates. After all, the fellas have been dormant for 13 years so they’re more than eager for a little female companionship. In a statement, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster has assured residents that the insatiable insects “pose no danger to humans or pets.” He added, “Unfortunately, it is the sounds of nature.”

This reminds me of the time my wife, Sara, was home with our then-toddler sons. She opened the back door of our house to take the boys outside to play only to find a large black rat snake sunning itself on the exterior steps. Sara immediately called CMPD Animal Control and asked them to come and remove the offending reptile. The conversation went a little something like this:

  • CMPD: “Ma’am, is the snake inside or outside of your home?”
  • Sara: “Outside.”
  • CMPD: “That’s where they live. Have a nice day.”

It’s the same thing with the cicadas. This is going to be a long, loud spring.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

Can You Guess the Most Dangerous Animals in North Carolina?

Well, we all know North Carolina is home to many different species of animals across the state. From unique pets to animals you find on the beach to animals you find up in the mountains. The state has so many different types of living areas for animals that it is kind of wild to think about how many different homes we offer them. But, not all of these animals are ones you should play with. Think about it, not every animal is a kind, friendly dog. We have some dangerous species to beware of within the state.

Animal Vivid wants to be sure we are all aware of what creatures we should stay away from if we ever come across them. From deadly reptiles to deadly insects, you never know what you might come across in North Carolina wildlife. They gathered a list of the 10 most dangerous animals in North Carolina. Below, you can find 5 of the most dangerous animals in North Carolina and a little bit about each one. No worries, want to see the full list of all 10, click here and be safe!

  • The American Alligator

    Come on, we’re in the Carolinas! We knew an alligator would have to make this list at some point. This reptile lives in swamps, streams, or rivers throughout the state. Unfortunately, the alligator is a carnivore. The American alligator specifically is a species of alligator that you should be extremely cautious of. Although it will ignore humans sometimes, it still can consider human flesh to be a great meal!

  • Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

    North Carolina is home to three different rattlesnake species, how lucky are we? All three are different level of danger to a human. Of the three though, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the most venomous in the American continent. Now, that is some power! The Diamondback is also the largest rattlesnake, so if you needed more of a reason to stay away… there you go!

  • Black Bears

    Now, coming from someone who just recently saw Cocaine Bear, I could see why this animal is on the list. Black bears are found throughout the forests spread across the state of North Carolina. Although the black bear is the smallest of all bear species, it can still be dangerous. Thankfully, the black bear does not attack often and would rather scare you away from it than actually harm you.

    @jnc.naturewalk

    #grandfathermountainnc #blackbears #blueridgeparkwaync #mountainwildlife #ncoutdoors #natureadventures

    ♬ The Jungle Book - The Bear Necessities - L'Orchestra Cinematique | Alala

  • Brown Recluse Spider

    I am not a spider person whatsoever, but here we go. The brown recluse spider can be found in wood piles, sheds, or garages which means it’s close to home. Although they contain a very high level of venom they are a bit iffy when it comes to humans. The spider only bites when it feels threatened so be careful if you ever see one, because the venom is strong enough to put you in the hospital after a bite.

     

  • White-tailed Deer

    We all know we have seen a deer or two whenever we’re out on the roads. This mammal lives in cropland, brushland, or pastureland across the state. Although deer are pretty peaceful in general, they earned their danger stripes due to the number of car accidents they cause throughout the state. Early mornings and early evenings you can find deer crossing dark roads at such random and high-speed cars sometimes don’t stand a chance. Whenever you’re on a roadway where you may not be able to tell if a deer is coming or not, it’s always best to just sit back and drive with caution.

    @huntfishmb

    Replying to @Keevin Erickson Since you all loved the first video, here is some more! Check out this awesome buck in the middle of shedding his velvet - With coyotes in the back keeping him on his toes! You never know what you may see in Manitoba’s great outdoors! Good luck this season! #HuntFishMB #Whitetail #Deer #SheddingVelvet #VelvetWhitetail #DeerHunting #Whitetaildeer #bowhunting

    ♬ original sound - HuntFishMB

Get The K Files Newsletter Delivered Directly To Your Inbox

You'll be in the know on music and entertainment news, exclusive giveaways, and what's happening in right here in Charlotte.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Phil Harris
Category:
Tags:
,,

More Animal News

Load More