R.E.P.E.L. Nuisance Wildlife  Springtime can coincide with an increase in conflicts between people and wildlife. Woodchucks in the garden, squirrels or other critters in the attic, and skunks under the shed are but a few of the problems people may encounter. The best way to reduce common wildlife issues is by eliminating access to food, water, and shelter. Here are some tips to help you REPEL or prevent and control problems with wild animals:
- R emove food sources – do not feed wildlife, remove all feeders and suet in the spring and summer, secure or remove garbage immediately and wait until the day of trash pick-up to bring outside, and feed pets indoors.
- E liminate cover and shelter close to homes and buildings - get rid of piles of brush, logs, and junk, and stash firewood away from your house or other buildings; mow tall grass near houses or other buildings.
- P ut up barriers - use chimney covers and soffit vents, fence in areas such as gardens and underneath decks, and seal entry holes that lead into the house.
- E xcite or agitate - use visual repellents such as scarecrows or lights, or create noise by yelling or using noisemakers (be sure to check noise ordinances in your area).
- L egally remove or "take" - contact a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator to remove problem wildlife from your property or remove or "take" nuisance animals on your own in accordance to New York State laws and regulations.
Photo by Craig Lutz.
Update on Northern Zone Fisher Population Study  DEC staff, in partnership with researchers from SUNY ESF, are conducting a study to better understand fisher populations and survival across the Northern Hunting Zone (north of Route 29). With the help of trappers, we have live-captured over 120 fisher since the project began in 2017. Adult females are fitted with GPS collars to locate and monitor dens and reproduction. When a den is located, DEC staff monitor the area with trail cameras to better understand kit production and survival. We are currently monitoring over 60 collared fisher, including several adult females with kits. The information will help us determine season dates and ensure sustainable harvest opportunities for this important furbearer.
Photo of a fisher caught on a trail camera.
Celebrate National Ocean Month This June  June is National Ocean Month and people across the globe celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8. New York's marine environment includes thousands of miles of nearshore coastline and millions of acres of ocean stretching out to three nautical miles offshore. The ocean provides essential habitat for diverse species of marine life, including fish, sharks, whales, sea turtles, and many more. In addition to serving as a home to some of the world's most vulnerable species, the ocean supports numerous important human services including transportation, commerce, and renewable energy development, as well as providing irreplaceable aesthetic and recreational value.
 The New York Ocean Action Plan (OAP) helps to develop coordinated and inclusive efforts that focus on improving the health of our ocean ecosystem and its capacity to provide sustainable benefits to New Yorkers. Notable actions within the OAP include whale monitoring in the New York Bight, establishing ocean health indicators, and developing outreach initiatives targeting ocean awareness and stewardship.
Everyone's actions contribute to a healthy ocean! Plastics and other discarded materials become marine debris if they make their way from land to sea. Help protect our ocean and marine life by curbing your single-use plastic consumption and always remember to Bring Your Own Bag (#BYOB) when going to the store. You can also participate in Plastic Free July, a global campaign that helps people learn about and reduce single-use plastic waste. For more information about marine debris, download a printable factsheet available in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).
On the Hunt for Invasive Species: New #OnesToWatch Map Helps Protect our Lands and Waters  Making sure the lands and waters you love to hunt and fish stay healthy is one of the best ways we can support wildlife. Invasive species are plants and animals that not only harm our forests and waterways, they can harm New York's fish and wildlife. Hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers like you can be a first line of defense, and there's an easy way for you to know what to look for: DEC's #OnesToWatch interactive map!
The #OnesToWatch map makes sure you know what invasive species we are looking for in your area, how you can identify them, and makes it easier for you to quickly report them to us. Click on your region of the map to see the species DEC is tracking in your neck of the woods. Then follow the link for each species to find more detailed information, including info on how to easily report sightings. Your reports can help protect the places you know and love for generations to come! For more information on DEC's #OnesToWatch campaign and the successes we've had as a result of people like you getting involved, visit our find and report page. Photo by Sandy Van Vranken. |
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