Birds have inspired humans for thousands of years in art, science, culture and flight, just to name a few. Founded in 1981, Carolina Raptor Center seeks to inspire visitors from around the world by connecting them to the natural world through the exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Tucked away in Latta Nature Preserve in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the Raptor Trail and Jim Arthur Raptor Medical Center combine to house more permanent raptor residents and hospital patients than any other facility in the U.S.