Wildlife Spotting

North Carolina's State Tree, I believe? This is, if my ID is correct, the 2nd stage of life in a LL pine. Here in Florida,at least, it spends several years looking like a bunch grass, (called the "grass stage"). sometimes nearly 20 years, sending a good sturdy tap root down down down, below the depth that heat from a healthy fire can penetrate. Once it's secure in that area, it will shoot rapidly up... the "broom stage", several feet in just a few years. This is to get that essential terminal bud above the fire flame level. I think your specimen is just beginning that growth spurt. Fascinating species... my favorite! Nice find.