Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter

Researchers Complete Fifth Year of New York Moose Study

As part of a multi-year research project to better understand New York’s moose population, DEC wildlife staff recently completed the fifth annual aerial survey of moose in the Adirondack Park. A total of 175 moose were observed during the helicopter-based survey. All moose appeared healthy and distributed in a way that is consistent with DEC’s total population estimate of 400 moose in northern New York. Staff recorded the location, number of animals, the age and sex of each animal, and general habitat characteristics for each moose sighted. Data from these surveys will refine our estimate of the moose population in the Adirondacks. The information gained will help direct future moose management plans. DEC is working with several other partners on this project.

Photo by DEC staff.

Get Outdoors and Participate in the 21st Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a fun event for bird watchers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts. The 21st annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 15, through Monday, February 18, 2019. Participants are needed! To help, you will need to count birds for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you wish) for one or more days of the four-day event. You can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.

Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing and how to protect them. Last year, more than 160,000 people joined in the GBBC. Let’s top that number this year! For more information or to submit checklists, visit the GBBC website.

Photo by Beth Cooper.

Look for Wildlife Tracks this Winter

Now is a great time to search for winter tracks (PDF) or other animal signs visible in the snow. It can be fun to be a detective and figure out what animals have been walking through your yard or across a trail. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Snow conditions can make a difference in a track’s appearance – wet snow captures a print better than powdery snow.
• Members in the dog family (coyote, fox, or dogs) will usually leave claw prints above the toes, while the cat family (bobcat or housecat) will not. You should see four toes on both front and back feet for both families.
• Rodents, such as squirrels, chipmunks, mice, muskrats, and voles, usually have four toes on the front feet and five on the back. Claws may or may not be seen.
• Bring a notebook, camera, or field guide with you.
• Sometimes an animal’s droppings, or scat, can help you identify it - a rabbit’s scat looks like small balls of sawdust.

Find out more in the Become a Winter Wildlife Detective (PDF) issue of Conservationist for Kids.

Photo by Sandy Van Vranken.

Improvements Across NYS Make Outdoors More Accessible (Video)

The Adventure NY initiative, announced in Governor Cuomo’s 2017 State of the State, is a multi-year outdoor recreation campaign to connect more New York families and visitors to the great outdoors. Since 2017, dozens of projects have been completed to update DEC facilities and lands. Need a new place for your Outdoor Adventures? From campgrounds to education centers, there is something for everyone. Watch the Adventure NY highlights video.

Free Fishing Days in New York

DEC today announced the first of several statewide free fishing days in New York will take place this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 17. During these designated days, residents and visitors are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. Each year, New York offers six statewide free fishing days to give people a chance to try the thrilling sport of fishing at no cost, and people are encouraged to support the sport by purchasing a NYS fishing license. In addition, regional free fishing clinics are held throughout the year.

If you have never tried ice fishing, there is no better time to give it a try. Better yet, bring family and friends and make it a fun outdoor weekend. Visit DEC's website for more information on ice fishing in New York.  Download the I FISH NY Guide to Ice Fishing (PDF).