MDIFW Blog
Free Fishing Weekend in Maine and Tips for Taking Kids Fishing
On Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is promoting free fishing days to encourage people to get out and enjoy Maine's waterways. This free fishing event is open to any person except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All Maine fishing regulations apply.
Ten New Homes for Hoody and Woody: A Field Report from the Rangeley Lakes Region by Wildlife Biologist Chuck Hulsey
Move over Habitat for Humanity, this winter 10 new homes were erected on the Black Brook Flowage Wildlife Management Area in Pierce Pond Township, Somerset County. The new homes are expected to attract nesting wood ducks and hooded mergansers shortly after ice-out in May.
If you care, leave them there!
With nature in full bloom, many people are headed outdoors – in their backyards, the woods and the beaches – to enjoy the nice weather. Wildlife is active, too, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reminds people to follow these simple steps to be safe among the wildlife and to keep the young animals with their mothers. Below is information that should help everyone live harmoniously with wildlife, including fawns, moose, fox, baby birds and others.
Remove potential meals so bears don't become a nuisance
Nuisance bear calls are on the increase this spring, and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reminding homeowners to remove potential bear attractants from their yard. “Maine has a growing bear population, and this time of year, hungry bears are out looking for food,” says Jen Vashon, IFW’s bear
The Maine Bumble Bee Atlas Takes Flight by IFW wildlife biologist Beth Swartz
By Beth Swartz IFW Wildlife Biologist Bumble bees, with their bold yellow and black stripes, large furry bodies and relatively docile dispositions, are a familiar backyard insect to most people. The important role they play in our environment, however, often goes unrecognized.
The Legacy of One Bear – Sara (ID 225) - Written by Randy Cross, Biologist
[caption id="attachment_576" align="alignright" width="315"] This is one of Sara’s great granddaughters who now is wearing a collar of her own.[/caption] Wildlife biologists have been monitoring black bears in Maine since 1975. Over the course of this monitoring program, a few bears have been monitored for over 20 years.
2015 Maine Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Contest Winner Announced
[caption id="attachment_564" align="alignleft" width="207"] Artist Michael Loring with his first place acrylic painting of canvasback[/caption] Congratulations to Michael Loring of Windham, the winner of the 2015 Maine Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Contest!
On the Ice with Brittany Humphrey: IFW's Outreach Coordinator
[caption id="attachment_542" align="alignleft" width="246"] IFW's Outreach Coordinator Brittany Humphrey[/caption] Brittany Humphrey's self-proclaimed home away from home is out on the frozen lakes and ponds of Maine. A native Mainer, Brittany grew up in Gray-New Gloucester spending most of her free time enjoying the Maine outdoors. One of her favorite pastimes?
IFW Wildlife Biologists Are Also Winter Weather Watchers
When the National Weather Service in Maine announced that this was the coldest February on record, they simply affirmed what we already knew…February was freezing. [caption id="attachment_530" align="alignright" width="300"] IFW
Ice Safety Tips
We're all anxious to get out on the ice this winter, but it's not worth taking the risk when the weather doesn't cooperate. Ice safety is no joke! Here is some information about judging ice conditions, being prepared to enjoy the winter season outside and what to do in an emergency. "Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky" Before stepping on the ice check for a bluish color and that it is at least 4-6 inches thick. Even if the weather has been below freezing for several days, don't guess about ice thickness.
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