Be on the Lookout for Amphibians Crossing the Road  With the arrival of spring temperatures, amphibians have begun their annual migrations to woodland pools to breed. Often, they must cross roads to reach these pools. In New York, this migration usually occurs on rainy nights in late March and early April, when the night air temperature is above 40F. When these conditions exist there can be explosive, "big night" migrations, with hundreds of amphibians on the move. Volunteers can help document these locations and help amphibians like wood frogs, spotted salamanders, American toads, or spring peepers safely cross the road. Drivers on New York roads are encouraged to proceed with caution or avoid travel on the first warm, rainy evenings of the season. Amphibians come out after nightfall and are slow-moving; mortality can be high even on low-traffic roads.
Photo of wood frog by Laura Heady.
DEC Proposes Updates to Wildlife Management Area Regulations DEC is proposing amendments to the regulations governing Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in order to protect natural resources, promote public safety, and help ensure the multiple uses of New York's WMAs remain compatible as public demand for outdoor recreation increases. Proposed changes would update and clarify existing regulations—defining the allowable activities and uses of WMAs. Some changes would help bring consistency with existing rules for state forests, campgrounds, and other DEC lands, while others continue the prioritization of hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing opportunities on WMAs. New York State has more than 120 WMAs containing nearly 250,000 acres, including 124,000 acres of forests and grasslands and 53,000 acres of wetlands. DEC's Bureau of Wildlife manages an additional 38,000 acres of land, including Unique Areas and Multiple Use Areas, for a total of approximately 150 areas for New Yorkers to visit and enjoy. The public is invited to comment on the proposed amendments. For more information, visit DEC's proposed fish and wildlife regulations webpage. Comments will be accepted through May 24, 2021.
DEC Announces Examinations for Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Licenses  DEC recently announced that examinations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for Friday, April 30. To ensure access to the examinations, and prevent the spread of COVID-19, DEC is offering exams online this year instead of in-person. The exams will be available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 30. Registrants will have two hours to take each exam.
To register for any of these exams, click on the exam registration link and follow the directions provided. An email will be sent acknowledging registration.
Study guides for the falconry, leashed tracking dog, and wildlife rehabilitator exams are available on the DEC website at no cost.
Photo courtesy of USFWS.
On the Hunt for Invasive Species  Whether you're a hunter, angler, birder, or outdoor enthusiast you can be part of DEC's front-line defense against invasive species. Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy, or human health. They threaten nearly every aspect of our world and pose a major risk to New York's wildlife.
Looking out for invasive species is part of caring for the outdoors. When caught early enough, many invasive species can be managed or even eradicated before they cause much harm. Professionals refer to this idea as Early Detection/Rapid Response. But given enough time to grow and spread, invasive species—like northern snakehead (pictured to the right)—can cause billions of dollars in damage, disrupt local ecosystems, and even threaten native species with extinction.
Your observations could be the key to stopping an invasive species in its tracks, in an outdoor place that you love. In our On the Hunt for Invasive Species series, we'll be sharing a different invasive species for you to be on the lookout for each season. We'll also be sharing resources, identification tips, and more, so stay tuned!
Photo of a northern snakehead's mouth by United States Geological Survey.
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