Warden Rescues Oldest Eagle Ever Documented In Maine -- Nearly 34 Years Old!

[caption id="attachment_2245" align="alignright" width="364"] Game Warden Joe McBrine handles the oldest eagle ever documented in Maine, which is nearly 34 years old.[/caption] The resurgence of the bald eagle is one of the department’s more remarkable conservation success stories. In the early 70’s, bald eagles were endangered and there were less than 30 nesting pairs in Maine.

Tracking the Canada Lynx: A Field Report from the Eustis Area

By Chuck Hulsey, Wildlife Biologist, Region D Regional wildlife biologists in the northern half of Maine are in winter number three of a project to extensively survey selected townships for Canada lynx. So far this year Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist Bob Cordes and I have surveyed Mayfield Township, Tim Pond Township, Upper Cupsuptic Township, and Redington Township. Spring Lake Township was surveyed for us by the regional wildlife biologists from Region A, headquartered in Gray.

That’s not normal, is it?

By Henry Jones, Wildlife Biologist, Region C There has been a recent flurry of reports of wildlife, ranging from deer to squirrels to crows, with odd growths or lumps in the Downeast Region.

A Hands-On Look at Maine's Deer Mortality Study

By Regional Wildlife Biologist Keel Kemper Regional wildlife biologists are frequently involved with a variety of tasks to support various wildlife work programs statewide, so imagine our excitement when we were asked to help live trap some deer! Wow, what a job assignment! Are you kidding me, I get to do that?

Maine's Wildlife Uses Different Strategies To Deal With Winter

By Scott Lindsay, IFW Wildlife Biologist [caption id="attachment_2192" align="alignright" width="601"] Wildlife in maine utilize a variety of strategies to deal with a Maine winter.[/caption] In southern Maine, winter rules for about one third of the year. To the north and west, due to latitude, elevation and distance from the moderating effects of the ocean, it can prevail for nearly half the year.

Habitat Improvement Work At Jamies Pond Concludes For The Season, Grouse and Deer Habitat Improved

[caption id="attachment_2185" align="alignright" width="384"] Regenerating forests provide ideal habitat for a variety of birds.[/caption] By Eric Hoar, IFW Lands Management Biologist Habitat work at Jamies Pond began in August of 2016 and is now concluding for the season in anticipation of spring breakup.  The Department has created 14 grouse blocks totaling approximately 18 acres, enhanced deer wint

Why an Apple a Day Could be Bad for a Barred Owl

By Wildlife Biologist Erynn Call Have you ever thrown an apple core out the car window and thought it was a harmless action, or maybe even a nice snack for a little critter?  Tossing out edible tidbits while driving can threaten wildlife, particularly raptors such as hawks and owls.  These birds are attracted to roadways as they provide convenient perches on power lines with clear views of their prey. 

Katahdin Forest Management Helps Out Wintering Deer in Rockabema Deer Winter Area

By Allen Starr, IFW Wildlife Biologist Maine winters can be critical period for wildlife survival.  Fortunately, Maine’s wildlife has developed adaptations and strategies to get them through long periods of cold temperatures and deep snow. White-tailed deer have developed a strategy of seeking out mature, coniferous forests that contain trees at least 35 feet in height and provide dense cano

Moose Fatalities Can Take Many Different Forms in the Maine Woods

By Scott McLellan, Wildlife Biologist, Region E The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) recently entered its 4th year of a moose mortality study in western Maine (west of Moosehead Lake).  This study aims at improving our understanding of mortality factors, mortality rates, calf survival and recruitment, just to name a few.  To gain this understanding, moose are equipped with a radio collar that communicates information to wildlife biologists via satellites.  Our findings thus far have been interesting and intriguing, and on December 18, 2016,

For A New Generation, Are These The Good Old Days Of Deer Hunting?

By Chuck Hulsey, IFW Wildlife Biologist I grew up in southern Maine in the 1960s. Nobody in my immediate family hunted. That said, my father grew up in Depression-era Arkansas and Oklahoma and hunted small game to help put food on the table. Later, with the exception of ports of call in foreign countries during WWll, he never again picked up a gun until I was 11 years old.