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Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Reports of wildlife sightings increase locally this fall

By Abby Wilson

Migratory animals have left for southern destinations, but Maine wildlife that doesn’t migrate are hunkering down for the winter.

When we think about hibernation, one animal that comes to mind is the black bear. While bears can lower their body temperatures and slow down their metabolism, they are not technically true hibernators.

A rash of black bear sightings in Windham over the past
month may be the result of bears foraging for food sources
such as bird feeders before the onset of winter. 
PHOTO BY ABBY WILSON 
A true hibernator, such as a ground squirrel, will drastically lower all bodily processes such as metabolism and blood pressure. These smaller animals begin hibernation and do not come out until they know there will be adequate resources.

If there is a winter thaw, or a den is flooded by snowmelt, bears may actually wake up, and leave their dens to look for food.

In fact, Scott Lindsay, Regional Biologist at the Gray headquarters for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, says it is not unlikely to see bear footprints in the snow.

In preparation for winter sleep, also called torpor, bears must dramatically increase their caloric intake. This can lead to a pulse of wildlife contact reports. In Maine, most of these reports involve black bears, and more often than not, the incident also involves a bird feeder.

Bears need to get the most calories in the most efficient way. They roam uplands and lowlands to forage for food. When a bear finds an introduced food source such as garbage or bird seed, they are going to utilize it because food with high amounts of calories like this are very difficult to find in the wild.

It is best to wait until late November to hang out bird feeders to avoid these incidents. Feeders should then be taken down by April 1, says Lindsay.

Bears are typically in their dens from November to April. In the spring, food resources are once again plentiful, so bears begin to forage on wild foods. They will also use human-introduced resources to supplement their diet.

In fact, Lindsay says that the most wildlife contact in populated areas like Windham and Raymond occur in the spring simply because there are so many animals. Adults are providing resources for babies and there is more consumption of prey as well as more foraging. But once the natural growing season begins there are more wild foods. Wildlife conflict and general wildlife complaints will then drop off.

Lindsay said that when we talk about wildlife populations, we use the term carrying capacity. This is the total number of individuals an ecosystem can handle based on space and resources. There is both a cultural carrying capacity and an ecological carrying capacity. It is important to remember that what you see in your background does not necessarily reflect the number of individuals in the ecosystem as a whole.

Bats are another animal that Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife frequently get reports about. Some of the bats we have in Maine are migratory, while others hibernate. Hibernating bats may decide to overwinter in your attic or barn. Professionals known as animal damage control agents can attempt to relocate these bat colonies.

Fall is the proper season to deal with bat related conflicts. If migratory bats are monopolizing a barn or attic, it is best to wait until they leave in the fall. All entry ways can then be covered so that bats will not find their way back into the structure. Do not shut out bats during the summer months because it is the crucial pupping season.

During these times of conflict, as long as an animal is not showing aggression or injuries, a person should secure all food and domestic animals, and leave the animal alone. Lindsay says it’s important to resist temptation to engage in wildlife physically.

There have been situations where people try to domesticate animals such as raccoons by interacting with them and feeding them. This promotes food habituation and conditioning which will ultimately increase wildlife conflict.

“Enjoy watching them, but you should not be encouraging them to be closer,” Lindsay said.

Climate change has greatly affected migration patterns of animals in Maine. The ‘shoulder’ seasons are getting longer, like fall and spring, which is shortening winter. According to the climate science department at the University of Maine, the state has lost 10 days of winter in the last decade.

However, animals are resilient and able to adapt. For example, opossums used to have a more central range in the United States. Today, they exist in southern/central Maine and are popular to see in the Sebago Lake area.

Lindsay says that what’s potentially even more interesting is the increase in human population in Maine. Many people have moved to Maine from urban areas where wildlife was not as common to see in your background. This leads to more frequent conflicts and complaints. Education is an important tool to teach people about how to enjoy wildlife but also how to stay safe around wild animals. <

Friday, December 11, 2020

Coalition calls on everyone to get outside safely this winter

AUGUSTA – A broad coalition of Maine conservation groups, state agencies, and outdoor brand businesses have launched a series of recommendations to help people safely enjoy fresh air this winter.

While outdoor activities are great ways to stay healthy during Maine's winter, it is important for everyone venturing to Maines public parks and land trust preserves to continue following COVID-19 health guidance. In addition, all should be prepared for short days, cold temperatures, snow and ice, and ever-changing, unpredictable conditions.

When venturing outside this winter in Maine, be 
prepared for short days, cold temperatures, snow
and ice, ever-changing unpredictable weather and
observe COVID-19 precautions.
COURTESY PHOTO 
"Our goal is to help create safe experiences for everyone," explained Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal. This partnership goal is to inform and remind residents and visitors that we can and should enjoy the tranquility and peace of our outdoors this winter while preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Maine’s conservation and recreation communities, natural resource agencies, and outdoor brand leaders developed checklists to help us all enjoy Maine’s outdoors in ways that are safe and responsible this winter, said Doreen MacGillis, Chair of the Maine Land Trust Network.

Before you head outside:

Be Prepared

·         Dress for success: Be aware of current conditions and bring appropriate gear to match those conditions, including, snowshoes, ice grips, and plenty of layers to stay warm. Local outdoor stores are available to give advice on appropriate clothing and equipment. Consider buying a Maine-made brand!

·         Check before you go: While many conservation lands remain open during the winter, access roads and parking areas may not be accessible. At the same time, conditions may not be safe or appropriate for desired activities such as ice fishing. Visit websites to see the latest information on closures and to learn about current conditions.

·         Know what’s available: Consider visiting a nearby Wildlife Management Area, or a less-trafficked state parkpublic land, or land trust preserve. (Maine Trail Finder is a great resource.)

·         Don’t take risks: Stick to familiar terrain to avoid injuries, which add stress on first responders and medical resources. If you're headed out alone, let someone know where you're going and be especially careful.

Heed All COVID-19 Health Warnings

·         Practice physical distancing: Stay at least six feet away from other people who do not live in your household. Step aside when passing other people on the trail and be considerate -  it's different than how you've experienced the outdoors in the past, but necessary as we try to stay safe.

·         Wear a mask: When you're in the vicinity of others, even with six feet of separation, a mask will help keep everyone safer.

·         Have a plan B: If the parking lot is full, the destination is too crowded. If your first destination has a busy parking lot, go to the next spot on your list. Do not park on public or private roads where snowbanks prohibit parking completely off the road.

·         If you're sick, stay home: It puts others at risk when you leave home while exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19, or if you have recently been exposed to the virus.

·         If you or friends or family are traveling from out of state, please adhere to Maine’s travel and quarantine guidelines.

"Getting outdoors is extremely beneficial to both your physical and mental health," said Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso. “Enjoy Maine's natural resources this winter in safe and responsible ways and we can work through this unique time together.” <

 

Friday, February 26, 2016

UPDATE to ice derbies taking place this weekend

The Cumberland County Ice Fishing Derby will still take place this weekend, February 27th and 28th as originally planned along with the Maine Children’s Cancer Program’s Polar Dip at Raymond Beach at noon on Saturday, February 27th.  The Sebago Lake Derby has been cancelled. 

At a meeting Tuesday evening with the Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby organizers, the Warden’s Service, IF&W and other safety personnel, the conclusion was that the unusually warm temps and upcoming rains and more warm temperatures, have created unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions to hold the Sebago Lake portion of the derby. So there will be no fishing on Sebago Lake for togue keeping our ice fishermen’s safety our primary concern. This also removes the $150,000 state record togue prize from the prize pool. Togue from other Cumberland County waters will be accepted other than Sebago, prizes for togue will be same as other Cumberland County prizes. 

The 50 or so smaller ponds and lakes comprising of the Cumberland County derby will still be fished although the Warden’s Service cautions everyone to check the ice depth before heading out on the ice and to check it often as warm temps and sunshine can deteriorate conditions quickly. They stated that every body of water in the state has less than normal ice conditions. “We have always emphasized fish at your own risk and cannot stress enough to check ice conditions,” said derby organizers.  

http://allmedstaffingofnewengland.com/The other fish pool prizes will be awarded, including the 2016 Polaris ATV which registrations act as an entry into that drawing. The awards and prizes will be handed out on Sunday, the 28th at Windham Weaponry’s Conference Hall at 999 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, at 6 pm. 

Check the website www.icefishingderby.com and the Facebook page for most up to date information.