The Christmas Bird Count: Over a Century of Community Science
By Regional Wildlife Biologist Susan Bard Each year, thousands of birders participate in what’s known as the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This long-standing winter census is used for various purposes such as assessing the health and trends of bird populations, public education, as well as guiding organizations in their conservation efforts.
Monitoring Forest Carnivores
By Shevenell Webb, MDIFW Wildlife Biologist Forest carnivores are elusive and difficult to observe, but they have a hard time resisting the smell of skunk essence and beaver meat.
Managing Wild Apple Trees for Wildlife
By Daniel Hill, Natural Resource Manager-Lands Program The Lands Program for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) in coordination with regional staff, manages, and enhances wildlife habitat throughout the state in a multitude of ways.
Adjusting to Winter
By Sarah Spencer, Wildlife Biologist As we approach the winter solstice, the days get shorter, temperatures drop, and precipitation starts falling in the form of snow. To the wildlife here in Maine, it’s a transition they’ve been preparing for since day length began to shorten back in June.
What Are Those Growths On That Deer?
[caption id="attachment_3202" align="alignright" width="520"] Photo courtesy of Carl Tugend of Holden[/caption] By MDIFW Wildlife Biologist Kendall Marden Every year, we receive phone calls and emails at our regional office about deer that have unusual growths on their head or body. With hunting season in full swing, some successful hunters are occasionally noticing this odd-looking phe
Uncovering the Mysteries of Bats
By MDIFW Biologists Sarah Boyden and Shevenell Webb [caption id="attachment_3177" align="alignright" width="429"] Furbearer and small mammal biologists, Shevenell Webb, visits one of Maine’s bat hibernacula where bats hibernating during the winter.[/caption] As Halloween approaches, bat decorations can be seen hanging from trees and spooky spider webs. At this time of year, most b
Maine’s Spring Salamander – Got Pink?
[caption id="attachment_3159" align="alignright" width="449"] A spring salamander is quite recognizable due to its large size and color.[/caption] By MDIFW Wildlife Biologist Phillip deMaynadier and MDIFW's Mark Latti If you happen to see a spring salamander, you won’t soon forget it.
Pheasants Offer Unique Hunting Opportunity In Southern Maine
By MDIFW Wildlife Biologist Cory Stearns [caption id="attachment_3142" align="alignright" width="477"] A hen pheasant takes off after being released in southern Maine. The pheasant stocking program is funded through the pheasant stamp.[/caption] The calendar has turned to October, and hunting season has kicked into full gear.
First-Ever Bat Gate In Maine Will Help Protect Bats From White Nose Syndrome
[caption id="attachment_3119" align="alignright" width="449"] The installation crew and the first ever bat gate installed in Maine.[/caption] By Shevenell Webb, MDIFW Wildlife Biologist The Department and the U.S.
Technology Aids In Identifying Maine Snakes
[caption id="attachment_3062" align="alignright" width="458"] An Eastern Milk Snake.[/caption] By Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist Kendall Marden “Its brown and black with diamond patterns on its back and it is a couple of feet long!” That's the usual statement received by MDIFW Biologists and Game Wardens from concerned callers who have come across an unidentified snake.
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