Wildlife, Fish & Marine Life Newsletter

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter

Motorists Should Watch For Deer and Moose on or Near Roadways

moose on roadwayDEC is reminding drivers that deer and moose become more active during the breeding season and are more likely to enter public roadways in the fall. Two-thirds of the crashes between deer and vehicles occur during the months of October, November, and December. Motorists should also be alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas this time of year.

Motorists should be aware that animals are especially active at dawn and dusk when visibility may be reduced and commuter traffic may be heavy. DEC recommends these precautions motorists can take to reduce the chance of hitting a deer or moose:

  • Decrease speed when you approach deer near roadsides. Deer can "bolt" or change direction at the last minute.
  • If you see a deer go across the road, decrease speed and be careful. Deer often travel in groups so expect other deer to follow.
  • Use emergency lights or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when deer are seen on or near the road.
  • Use caution on roadways marked with deer crossing signs.
  • Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animal movement is at its highest and visibility is reduced.

Photo by Bill Richardson.


Help Protect New York's Bat Populations During Bat Week

bat hanging upside down in caveBat Week is an internationally recognized weeklong focus to raise awareness about the important role bats play in our environment and is a great time to appreciate New York’s nine bat species. Bat Week is observed October 24 through 31 and is organized by representatives from conservation groups and government agencies in the United States and Canada.

Unfortunately, many species of bats, including little brown bats, have faced severe population declines due to White-nose Syndrome. The disease has killed more than 90 percent of bats at hibernation sites in New York.

You can help protect New York's bat populations by avoiding caves and mines, which may be home to hibernating bats, from October through April. Human disturbances are very harmful to bats. White-nose syndrome makes bats very sensitive to disturbances. Even a single, seemingly quiet visit can kill bats that would otherwise survive the winter. If you see hibernating bats, assume you are doing harm and leave immediately.

Anyone entering a northern long-eared bat hibernation site from October 1 through April 30, the typical period of hibernation for bats, may be subject to prosecution.

Some bat facts:

  • They are insect-eating machines, eating thousands of mosquitoes and other flying insects in a single night!
  • Bats use echolocation (rapid pulses of sound that bounce off an object) to detect and catch insects.
  • Bats are more closely related to primates than to mice.
  • They are the only mammal that can fly.

Learn more about bats in Bats of New York State (PDF).

Photo by Al Hicks.


DEC to Discuss Managing Wildlife on Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area

Seneca River at Northern Montezuma WMADEC will host a virtual public presentation to share details about a recently completed habitat management plan for Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

The event will feature a 60-minute presentation that discusses the WMA’s history, habitat goals, and planned management actions, followed by a question and answer period. This presentation will also be recorded and made available to the public afterward.

Sign up for the online presentation by visiting the Northern Montezuma WMA webpage. You can find a link to the online registration at the top of the page. Type your questions into the chat box during the presentation, or send questions via email. Please contact Michael Palermo at (585) 226-5383 with any specific requests for accommodations.

View what activities you can do at this property by clicking on the link above.


State Lands to Visit: Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area

Accessible hunting blind at Tonawanda WMATonawanda Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester. Tonawanda and Oak Orchard WMAs are part of a 19,000-acre state and federal habitat complex that also includes the 11,000-acre Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Tonawanda WMA is approximately 5,600 acres and is composed primarily of wetland habitat, but also includes upland forest, shrubland, and grassland habitat.

With its extensive system of marshes, the WMA is an important migratory stopover for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent birds in the Atlantic Flyway. Several at-risk species use the various habitats in the complex. The area has been designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon and is also a designated NYS Bird Conservation Area.

Waterfowl hunting is a popular activity in this WMA, and waterfowl hunters are always encouraged to scout ahead of time because conditions in marshes change from year to year. Permits are required to hunt waterfowl the first weekend of duck season. Call DEC at (585) 948-5182 or visit the DEC website for more information on hunting at Tonawanda WMA.

There are several features designed to promote accessibility, including multiple parking areas, viewing areas, overlooks, trails, and kiosks. Tonawanda WMA has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts and is a popular destination for hunting, trapping, and wildlife observation.

Read more about Tonawanda WMA in the August 2020 issue of the Conservationist (PDF).

Photo of an accessible waterfowl hunting blind, which is available for hunting by permit for seniors and people with disabilities.


Respectfully Share the Woods Tutorial on Facebook Live

In case you missed it, DEC’s hunter education staff recently hosted a Facebook Live session to discuss ways to recreate locally, safely, and how to respectfully share the woods with all users! See their great tips on what to wear and bring on your outings, such as food, water, a headlamp, hunter orange or other bright-colored clothing, and a map and compass. Head to DEC’s Facebook page to see the video.