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Please share this edition of Wildlife Highlights with other outdoor enthusiasts
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Bobcat Research Project Featured on WNPR
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Currently in its second year and with roughly 80 bobcats having been fitted with GPS tracking collars, the Wildlife Division's Bobcat Project aims to
investigate bobcat habitat use among different housing densities in Connecticut. Biologists are in the process of determining how the state's bobcats meet their needs in both rural and suburban areas, in addition to reproduction and survival rates. The project was recently featured on Connecticut Public Radio WNPR. Have you ever heard the growl of a bobcat? Click below to listen.
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2019: Make a Difference for Wildlife
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There are plenty of simple ways people can help wildlife, and each month we will highlight an action everyone can take to benefit the species that call Connecticut home.
Clean up after your dog when visiting a state park, forest, or wildlife management area. Use a bag to pick up pet waste and properly dispose of it in a trash container -- do not leave the bag along the trail! According to state regulations, dogs in state wildlife management areas must always be on a leash no longer than seven feet long.
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Join Us at the 2019 Connecticut Outdoor Expo
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The DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources, including the Wildlife Division and Environmental Conservation Police, will be at the 2019 Connecticut Outdoor Expo from February 15-17, 2019 at Mohegan Sun's brand new Earth Expo and Convention Center. This expo provides classes, seminars, and demonstrations led by outdoor industry pros. So, while you are out shopping for new outdoor equipment, pay us a visit to learn more about wildlife conservation and research efforts. We hope to see you there!
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Use Your Tax Refund to Protect Wildlife and Habitat
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This tax season, remember your other dependents. When you donate all or a portion of your Connecticut state tax refund for wildlife and endangered species, funds will be used for projects to help state-listed plants, reptiles, amphibians, bats, ospreys, and more. Look for the Refund section on your state income tax return and check the box for the Wildlife Fund. On behalf of Connecticut's wildlife and natural areas -- we thank you!
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Creating Young Forest Habitat at Skiff Mountain
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The Wildlife Division's Habitat Management Program is creating young forest habitat at NU Skiff Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Sharon for species such as the American woodcock and ruffed grouse. This WMA is also a popular pheasant hunting area. While the clearing may seem unsightly at the moment, it won't be long before it is covered with low, thick vegetative growth, providing cover and protection for many species that rely on this early successional habitat.
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Furbearer Management Relies on Trapping
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The beaver is recognized as one of North America's most important wildlife species. Known for their ability to alter a landscape, beavers provide a service by creating new habitat for many species of wildlife. Unfortunately, beavers also can cause conflicts with landowners, sometimes creating extensive damage that may potentially result in expensive economic impacts annually. Connecticut's beaver management program is based on a regulated trapping season to help combat problems caused by beavers.
To learn more, read a
detailed article
(PDF), with amazing photos, in our bimonthly magazine,
Connecticut Wildlife.
Connecticut Wildlife
is for anyone who wants to stay informed about fish, wildlife, and natural resource issues and events in our state. The magazine is published six times a year, and is available by subscription (
more details
).
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Deadline to Apply for Deer Lottery: February 28
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Every year, the Wildlife Division conducts a lottery to award a limited number of permits for deer hunting on certain state lands and controlled hunt areas. To hunt these areas, hunters can apply online for the lottery starting at midnight on January 1. The deadline for applying for the lottery is February 28. Select lottery permits not purchased by that date will be made available on a first-come, first-serve basis starting March 15, 2019.
Please note that Roraback WMA (Area 61) has been changed to a No-lottery Area and is no longer part of the deer lottery for the 2019 hunting season. This change is not reflected in the printed version of the 2019 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide.
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Join the 2019 Great Backyard Bird Count
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Do you have a passion or interest in birding? If so, then we encourage you to partake in this year's Great Backyard Bird Count!
In 1998, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society launched the Great Backyard Bird Count, the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds. Today, more than 160,000 people participate worldwide!
Join in this year's count on February 15-18. All you have to do is tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see. You can count from any location, anywhere in the world and for as long as you wish! If you're new to the count, you must
create a free online account to enter your checklists.
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Save the Date: 2019 CT Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference
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In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Connecticut's volunteer water monitoring program and Citizen Science Day 2019, DEEP invites you to join us for an exciting day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration! The CT Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference will be held on
Friday, April 5, 2019, from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM at Three Rivers Community College, in Norwich.
Who should attend? Anyone currently conducting volunteer water monitoring in Connecticut; nonprofit organizations and municipal commissions wanting to start a new local water monitoring program; water experts willing to share their knowledge with volunteers; teachers seeking to better integrate water monitoring into their courses; and anyone else with an interest in water issues in Connecticut.
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Species of the Month: Barred Owl
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This winter has seen an abundance of barred owl sightings. Should you be fortunate to come across a barred owl, observe it from a safe distance and do not approach it to take a photo. Owls are extremely sensitive to disturbance, especially during the cold winter months when it is more challenging to hunt for the small mammals they rely on for food.
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Your Feedback Is Important to Us!
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You are making a difference and we thank you for your support!
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You'll find each issue packed with information about wildlife, hunting, fishing, and natural resource-related issues in Connecticut.
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at 860-418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.
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