Staying Alive: NCMNS Exhibit Additions
In March 2026, the NCMNS opened Staying Alive, a traveling exhibit that highlights the survival strategies seen across the animal kingdom. I acted as the sole content developer for two additions produced by NCMNS: “Wild Warnings” and “Great Bug Escapes”.
“Wild Warnings” is a fun animal sound interactive for all ages. Featuring defensive calls from exotic creatures and local North Carolina species, the interactive offers visitors the opportunity to freestyle DJ the animal defensive calls sound booth, or to complete the “Critter Chorus Challege” by playing a hidden bonus track.
“Great Bug Escapes” highlights research conducted by NCMNS biologist Dr. Adrian Smith, Head of the Insect Research Lab and creator of the popular YouTube channel Ant Lab. This addition features 4 videos highlighting the unique survival strategies found in insects, arthropods, and hexapods.
Wild Warnings
Animal Alarms
Groovy growls, hissing hits, and rattles that give you the shakes. Become an animal music maestro with the snarling sounds of animal defenses.
Animals use defensive sounds to startle predators, signal danger, and warn humans and other animals to keep their distance.
Use the sound station below to discover the many noises animals make to improve their odds. Some wild animal warnings may surprise you!
Alarmed Animals:
American Black Bear
Fork-tailed Drongo
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
North American Raccoon
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Coyote
Javalina
Brown Thrasher
White-tailed Deer
Big Brown Bat
Great Bug Escapes
Nature’s Smallest Survivors
Museum Biologist
Dr. Adrian Smith
Head, Insect Research Lab
Associate Research Professor at NC State University
To study insect behaviors too small and swift to be seen with human eyes, Adrian uses high-speed cameras and powerful macro lenses for extreme close-ups.
Adrian’s research in the NC Museum of Natural Sciences Insect Research Lab examines how the animal kingdom’s smallest citizens—insects, arthropods, and hexapods—are able to adapt and survive in a world full of predators. From examining ant and bee stingers, to filming escape jumps in slow-motion, Adrian’s work encourages us to take a closer look at the extraordinary animals we can find in our own back yards.
“Insects are an endless source of scientific discovery. They are fundamental to ecosystems and to life on our planet as we know it.”
How Bugs Beat the Odds
Astonishing Escapes. Fantastic Camouflage.
Welcome to the high-speed science of bugs that jump, sting, fly, and flip to escape predators.
The bugs in our backyard face a big, wide world of danger. To survive everything from fly swatters to jumping spiders and hungry birds, insects have evolved unique adaptations that help them dodge predators and protect themselves.
