![marten tracks](https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2023-02/blog%20doubles%20%282%29_0.jpg?itok=peGegkK4)
Tips for Tracks
Winter is the best time to learn to identify and interpret wildlife sign. Here are some tips to get started.
![red fox hunting in snow](https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-12/red%20fox%20iStock-1215785692_0.jpg?itok=Nj9XaYXj)
Strategies for the Snowy Season
As the days get shorter, temperatures drop, and snow begins to fall, how do you plan to spend the winter? Just like people, wildlife uses several winter survival strategies.
![crew member using a drip torch](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-10/test_0.jpg?itok=35Ch6TM3)
Fired Up about Conservation
The first Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) to be held in the Northeast brought collaboration, mentorship, outreach, and fire to the sandplain grassland of Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area. Prescribed burns are tactically designed with two main objectives: restore ecosystem function and decrease uncontrollable wildfire risk.
![Vacant great blue heron nest.](https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-09/Nest2_0.jpg?itok=rfNW0Eh2)
Assessing Heron Nesting Activity in Fall: No Herons? No Problem!
We visited the island where our GPS-tagged great blue heron, Mariner, nested this past summer. Even without any herons still using the nests, we used other clues to determine which nests were active.
![MDIFW Biologists conducting wood turtle surveys](https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-08/wood%20turtle%20surveying%20in%20river_1.jpg?itok=mfpC9hDq)
Wading for Wood Turtles
MDIFW Biologists conduct wood turtle surveys to verify and track occurrences of the Species of Concern, improve knowledge of habitat use and home range, and effectively map them for conservation planning.
Deceive a Beaver, Save a Beaver
To learn more about the biology and ecology of beavers, and ways to live with them, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), The U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) -Wildlife Services, and the town of Dixmont partnered and held a training, open to those who might have direct or direct involvement with beaver conflicts, to demonstrate the best ways to live with beaver.
![common nighthawk](https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-07/shutterstock_1600081045_0.jpg?itok=cK0xIqvN)
The Art and Science of Aerial Insectivores
Eating bugs for breakfast is an important job! Aerial insectivores navigate complex habitats with athleticism, artistry, and grace. How do they do it?
![red bats](/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-07/eastern%20red%20bat%20triplet%20pups%2086933033-876-1303-Edit_0.jpg?itok=slWOISuM)
Summer Living with Bats
Maine is home to 8 species of bats. If you are finding bats on your property, odds are they have been there longer than you realize!
Chesuncook Lake Salmon Fishery Update
We’ve invested a lot of time since implementing a new management strategy on Chesuncook Lake back in 2018. We are getting close to our harvest goal, and the fish are starting to respond.
![electrofishing](https://www.maine.gov/ifw/blogs/sites/maine.gov.ifw.blogs/files/styles/post_thumbnail/public/2022-06/IFW_3466_11.jpg?itok=WyxevMal)
While You Were Sleeping, We Were Electrofishing!
Electrofishing is a highly effective way to non-lethally sample a population and is very efficient for studying bass during their May-June spawning season.
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