In Diana Gabaldon's "Drums of Autumn," the character Dr. Stern describes the untamed wilderness of Carolina. He emphasizes that the region is inhabited by various fierce animals, including bears, wildcats, and dangerous panthers. This portrayal suggests that the wilderness is both beautiful and treacherous, highlighting the dangers that lurk in the natural world.

Additionally, Dr. Stern mentions a creature known as a skunk, which the Indians refer to as a "great foul thing." This description adds to the sense of the wilderness being alive and unpredictable, filled with both awe-inspiring and perilous beings. The vivid imagery paints a clear picture of the wild environment that the characters must navigate.