MassWildlife Monthly February 2025

News from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

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Avian flu guidance

The following recommendations from the Department of Public Health, MassWildlife, and the Department of Agricultural Resources aim to support public health, agriculture, and wildlife.

State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick and report suspected cases.

Since early 2022, Massachusetts has had recurring incidents of HPAI. In January 2025, an outbreak of HPAI was suspected of causing the death of Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. Preliminary positive cases are being reported at other locations across the state. Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive. State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds.

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl, and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds, such as foxes, can also become infected.

Report Suspected Cases:

• Report Wild Birds: The public should report observations to MassWildlife of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location, using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Report Domestic Birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at [phone] or through mass.gov/reportpoultry.

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have direct contact with animals infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit DPH’s Avian Influenza webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800.

Tips for the Public:

• Avoid handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling wildlife, especially sick or dead birds or other animals.
• Keep pets safe: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife.
• Hunting: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize the risk of wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.

Tips for Livestock and Poultry Owners:

Since wild migratory birds are natural carriers for Avian Influenza viruses, including HPAI, preventing wild birds from mixing with or having contact with domestic flocks is essential to disease control and prevention.

• Poultry owners should continue to practice strong biosecurity measures to keep their birds away from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl, feathers, and droppings.
• Poultry owners with water bodies on their property should take steps to mitigate wild waterfowl from frequenting those areas. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is critical.
• Avoid unnecessary movement of poultry between locations and be aware of the potential to carry HPAI-contaminated materials onto properties where domestic birds are kept.
• New birds should be completely isolated for at least one month prior to being added to a domestic flock. Birds returning home from fairs or shows should also be isolated from the home flock as if they were new arrivals.
• Limit the number of people that have access to your flock.
• Do not share equipment with other bird owners without thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting between locations.
• For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage.

Three ways to prevent conflict during coyote mating season

Late January through early March is coyote mating season. Coyotes are very active during the winter while courting mates and defending their territory. Coyotes are in every city and town in mainland Massachusetts, meaning the opportunity for human-coyote interaction is high. The mere presence of a coyote is not a cause for concern. MassWildlife officials are reminding the public to take these 3 simple steps to prevent conflict with coyotes during the mating season: 

1. Protect your pets

• Pets should always be directly supervised on a leash when outdoors, especially during the coyote mating season. 
• Coyotes can’t differentiate between their natural prey and small pets, so they will view unprotected outdoor cats and small dogs as a potential food source.   
• Coyotes can’t distinguish your dog from an intruding coyote, causing the coyote to be more aggressive toward medium- and large-sized dogs as they will view them as potential competition for mates and territory.  
• Do not supervise your pet from a distance on your porch or at your backdoor. Most coyote attacks involve dogs that are unsupervised or being supervised from a distance in a backyard.  
• Click here to learn more about protecting your pets from coyotes and other wildlife. 

2. Remove human-associated food sources from your property

• As opportunistic omnivores, coyotes will utilize naturally available food, like small mammals and birds, and human-associated foods, like bird seed, garbage, compost, pet food left outdoors, and backyard chickens. 
• Coyotes that find human-associated food sources will spend more time in yards and neighborhoods. It’s essential for neighbors to work together to secure or remove all human-associated food sources in a community.  
• Coyotes that become dependent on human-associated food sources can start to exhibit bold behavior toward people. Never intentionally feed coyotes. 

3. Haze coyotes

• While coyotes are naturally wary of people, this fear can lessen over time when they spend a lot of time around people or when they are fed, intentionally or unintentionally, by people. 
• When you see a coyote in your yard, you should aggressively haze it. Hazing is a safe technique used to deter an animal from an area or to change its behavior. The intent of hazing is to frighten, not injure, the animal. 
• You can haze a coyote by creating loud noises by yelling or using a small air horn, waving a jacket overhead to look bigger, spraying a hose or throwing small objects in the coyote’s direction, and physically chasing and driving the coyote off. Haze the animal until it has fully left the area. 
• Hazing will not be effective if it's done from inside a building, from behind a screen door, or from a car. Hazing is most effective when it’s done repeatedly, when a variety of techniques are used, and when many people participate. 
• Click here to learn more about effectively hazing coyotes. 
   

Negative encounters with coyotes are rare and human-coyote attacks are exceptionally rare. If you encounter a coyote that is exhibiting concerning behavior like approaching leashed pets, closely following people, or not running off when effectively hazed, you should contact your local Animal Control Officer or local MassWildlife office for assistance. If there is an immediate threat to public safety, call local law enforcement.   

Learn more about coyotes at mass.gov/coyotes.

Get to know animal tracks

Wild animals are experts at staying out of sight. Yet the winter snow and mud can reveal a detailed account of the comings and goings of even the most secretive animals. Whether you’re wandering secluded forests and fields or taking a walk in your suburban neighborhood, watch for tracks to learn about wildlife in the area.

As with birdwatching, tree identification, or any other area of nature study, learning to identify tracks takes some practice. Start by getting familiar with common animal tracks. Use MassWildlife’s animal track card as a guide to tracks you may encounter here in Massachusetts.

Identifying animal tracks is much easier if the conditions are right. Tracks left in snow that has partially melted can become distorted and are difficult to decipher. Loose or dry snow can also be a problem since it doesn’t hold track details. Look for tracks in fresh snow that’s not too deep or in mud for the most accurate print.

In addition to the tracks themselves, pay attention to the pattern of tracks on the ground. For example, deer, bobcats, house cats, and canines (dogs, coyotes, foxes) place their hind foot into—or nearly into—the track left by their foot to form a diagonal pattern and a narrow trail. Rabbits and gray squirrels gallop or hop, while members of the weasel family (otter, fisher, and mink) bound. Learning about distinctive track patterns (which you can find on the track card) can help with identification and help you gain a deeper understanding of the lives of these animals.  

You can use tracks along with other clues like bits of fur, scat, or signs of digging to get more information about what the animal was going. Watching for tracks and other evidence of wildlife activity can add some fun and a little bit of mystery to your next winter walk. Use the links below to find more ways to enjoy the outdoors this winter:

• 5 must-read tips for winter birdwatching
  Winter can be a great time to view common backyard birds as well as unusual birds overwintering here in Massachusetts.
• Learn where to look for bald eagles
  Bald eagles are active in winter with courtship and nest building. Get tips for where to find them and how to observe without disturbing the eagles.
• Explore a Wildlife Management Area near you
  MassWildlife manages over 235,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas that provide habitat for wildlife and give people a place to explore natural landscapes (there are no maintained trails). WMAs are open to the public for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing.

MassWildlife hires first-ever Assistant Director of Land and Habitat Conservation

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is proud to announce the hiring of Emily Myron as the agency’s first-ever Assistant Director of Land and Habitat Conservation. This new role underscores MassWildlife’s deep, ongoing commitment to conserving Massachusetts’ landscapes and ensuring the health of the Commonwealth’s diverse habitats for wildlife and outdoor recreation.

Emily brings extensive experience in conservation policy, land protection, and habitat management to the role. For the past seven years, she served as the Senior Policy Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, where she worked with state and federal agencies, legislators, and NGO partners to secure funding and advance policies that support land conservation, habitat restoration, and natural climate solutions. Her leadership helped increase resources for conservation efforts, bring federal funding to Massachusetts, and shape strategies for climate resilience and biodiversity protection.

Access to healthy lands and outdoor recreation benefits families and communities across Massachusetts. MassWildlife currently has over 235,000 acres of forests, wetlands, open habitats, and waters under its care and control, which are open to the public and home to an impressive variety wildlife. As the new Assistant Director of Land and Habitat Conservation, Emily will help guide stewardship, acquisition, and habitat management activities that advance the agency’s long-term vision for biodiversity conservation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Emily to this new leadership role,” said Mark S. Tisa, MassWildlife Director. “She will lead a cross-disciplinary team of restoration ecologists, habitat biologists, and foresters to ensure MassWildlife can meet its goals for land protection, stewardship, and habitat restoration. Emily’s expertise and passion for conservation will be instrumental in advancing our mission to protect and steward Massachusetts’ natural resources.”

Before coming to MassWildlife, Emily’s career has included leading local, state, and international conservation initiatives, with roles at The Nature Conservancy, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and the Chesapeake Conservancy. She holds a Master of Environmental Management in Ecosystem Science and Conservation from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and a Biology degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland.

“I am honored to join a team working at the forefront of the Commonwealth’s biodiversity, conservation, and climate goals,” said Emily. “I have long admired the work of MassWildlife, and I am excited to work alongside our expert leadership and staff to align priorities and partnerships in order to meet this critical moment.”

Please join us in welcoming Emily to the MassWildlife team!

Wild and focused: Tips for photographing wildlife

Whether you’re snapping photos in the backyard, in the park, or off the beaten path further afield, every click of the shutter is a chance to connect with nature and preserve the beauty of our world to share with others.

If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors and get in touch with your sense of wonder, wildlife photography is a fantastic hobby that lets you enjoy nature while expressing your creativity. With just a camera and a bit of patience, you can transform simple hikes into thrilling scavenger hunts, searching for that perfect shot! While traditional cameras and interchangeable lenses offer endless options for artistic expression, you don’t need fancy equipment to enjoy photography. In fact, all of the photos you see in this article were submitted to our photography contest last year. You can get started today with a basic camera or your smartphone and a few simple tips.

Be patient
Patience is the name of the game when it comes to wildlife photography. The best photos of wildlife often require a photographer to spend time in the outdoors waiting to capture the perfect moment in time. Because we can’t control the behavior of wild animals, the best thing to do is to sit quietly, observe, and wait. Although we can’t predict their movements, doing research ahead of time about kind of habitats certain species prefer, what times of day they are most active, and signs to look or listen for to see if that species has been in the area will give you the best chance of success.

Beyond patience for your subjects, it’s also important to have patience for yourself if you are a beginner. Sometimes you are going to miss the perfect shot by just a second. Sometimes you will accidentally have your camera or phone on the wrong settings. This is all part of the learning process and will get better with practice. 

Be respectful of wildlife and their habitats
The goal of photographing wildlife is to provide a snapshot into the lives of our local animals. If you get too close or disturb the animal, you won’t be able to witness and photograph their natural behaviors. Be an ethical wildlife photographer by keeping a reasonable distance from wildlife and rely on your camera’s zoom to get “closer” to your subject. If you get too close to an animal, it will likely change behavior and may stop feeding, look at you, vocalize, appear nervous, or flee. Wildlife may also be disturbed by noise, so it is important to speak and move quietly. If they change behavior, make sure to back off slowly. As an ethical photographer, it is also important to leave an area cleaner than you found it, follow rules on public land, and get permission in advance before entering private land.

Get creative
While there are many logistics to consider in wildlife photography, there are also many exciting ways to show off your creativity. After you become familiar with the specifics of your camera, you can play around with different settings, photo composition, and depth of field (DOF).

Composition is how you arrange the different elements of your photo. While there are many logistics to consider in wildlife photography, composition is where you get to make creative choices. Think of the left and right sides of any image are like walls, the top of the image is a ceiling, and the bottom is a floor. Keep that in mind when composing your photographs: The visual elements in your photos need room to breathe. You can see a great example of this in the winning photo from last year’s photo contest of a pouncing bobcat, shown below. The bobcat is in the right side of the frame and the left side remains open, giving the bobcat the visual space to jump. If the bobcat was on the left side of the frame, it would look like it was jumping into a wall.

Depth of field (DOF) is a photography term that describes the part of your photo that is sharp and in focus. DOF is a critical creative control in photography because our eyes will always initially focus on the portion of a photograph that is in focus. You can direct the viewer’s eye to emphasize the parts of your and reduces the visual noise in less important parts of your image.  You may have played around with DOF already by using “Portrait” mode on your cell phone camera which will automatically bring a subject into focus and blur the background. Having a smoother background will help viewers be able to focus on the wildlife in your photos and keep them from being distracted by the habitat in the background. You can see a great example of this from our photo contest last year in this photo of an American river otter. 

Practice, practice, practice
Just like any skill, practice is important to becoming a proficient wildlife photographer. Try starting with species that are easier to find such as squirrels, rabbits, insects, song birds or plants. This will make it easier to practice using your equipment and try different settings without waiting long for a wildlife sighting.

Most photographers take many photos to get a few good ones so don’t be afraid to fill up your memory card. Just like a sports team that reviews game footage, review your photos on a larger screen when you get home to see which techniques and settings worked best. You can also practice using photo editing programs to adjust many features of your photo, including lighting, contrast, and color balance.

Inspiration can be all around us. You don’t have to be in the wilderness to capture a beautiful image. Sometimes we just have to look at our neighborhood or backyard from a new angle or through a different lens to capture an extraordinary image. Even if you don’t shoot a masterpiece, the “practice time” in nature is actually the reward.

Looking for more guidance about cameras, lenses, and settings? Check out this recent article from our Massachusetts Wildlife magazine, “Photography Fundamentals.”

Habitat grants awarded

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $325,000 in grants to restore approximately 520 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is awarding grants to six organizations through the Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP), which provides crucial financial assistance to private and municipal owners of conserved lands to improve habitat for wildlife, steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency, and promote public recreational opportunities.

“Partnership and collaboration are essential for meeting our ambitious biodiversity and climate goals. Most forests and other wildlife habitats in Massachusetts are not state-owned, and we rely on conservation organizations, cities and towns, private landowners, and other partners to greatly expand our impact,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “This program provides us with the unique opportunity to improve habitat for at-risk wildlife while also bolstering outdoor recreation opportunities for all.” 

While Massachusetts has made significant strides to permanently conserve over 28% of our state, many essential habitats for wildlife are degraded by invasive species growth, emerging pests and disease, and face increasing threats from climate change. Habitat management is crucial to address these challenges and support wildlife. MassWildlife leads work to restore habitat on state conservation lands and, through the MHMGP, supports private and municipal conservation partners in doing the same. Through this work, MassWildlife and partners restore healthy, resilient landscapes that support a variety of species, particularly those of greatest conservation need. Since 2015, the MHMGP has funded 117 projects by partners that have restored over 4,300 acres of natural habitat statewide.

“MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program builds on the success of ongoing efforts to conserve the great diversity and abundance of wildlife, plants, and habitats in Massachusetts,” said MassWildlife Director Mark S. Tisa. “Public and private investment in habitat management is critical for promoting ecological resiliency and biodiversity, and we are thrilled to work with this year’s grant recipients as they commit to improving landscapes for people and nature.”  

The following projects will receive MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants: 

• Edgartown and West Tisbury – The Nature Conservancy has been awarded $65,100 to conduct prescribed burns at Katama Plains and The Frances Newhall Woods Preserve. 
• Edgartown – The Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation has been awarded $75,000 to manage southern pine beetle-infested pitch pine and pitch pine/oak forest at Caroline Tuthill Preserve. This expansion of a sanitation harvest is aimed at combating the spread of southern pine beetle, a southern species that has been expanding its range north, threatening our pitch pine forests. 
• Nantucket – The Nantucket Conservation Foundation has been awarded $46,433 to help protect pitch pine barren habitat at Head of the Plains. This funding will cover the removal, chipping, and safe disposal of southern pine beetle-infected pitch pine.  
• Nantucket – The Nantucket Island Land Bank has been awarded up to $75,000 to help restore pine barrens at Gardner Farm. Areas of dense pitch pine forest that are most susceptible to southern pine beetle outbreaks will be thinned to promote site resiliency and a heathland / sandplain-grassland understory, both of which are beneficial to numerous rare moths and butterflies.  
• Sheffield – The Sheffield Land Trust has been awarded $28,150 to treat invasive species at The Schenob Brook Preserve, a large calcareous wetland complex surrounding Schenob Brook.
• Sudbury and Marlborough – The Sudbury Valley Trustees has been awarded $36,526 to conduct a prescribed burn at Desert Natural Area.

"I think we can all agree that one of the most enjoyable aspects of living in Massachusetts is the pure natural beauty of our Commonwealth. Restoring 520 acres of wildlife habitat, ranging from the stunning Caroline Tuthill Preserve in Edgartown to the pine barrens of Nantucket, is not only an investment in biodiversity but also in the future of Massachusetts’ ecosystems," said State Senator Julian Cyr (D—Cape & Islands). “As we face increasing threats from climate change, it is critical that we protect and enhance our gorgeous landscapes that support at-risk species, bolster outdoor recreation, and ensure our natural resources are resilient for generations to come. The collaborative work of conservation organizations, municipalities, and private landowners, along with this important funding, will help us meet our ambitious climate and biodiversity goals."

For more information about the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants, please visit the program’s webpage. 

Support endangered species at tax time

More than 450 plants and animals are listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). These rare species play an important role in keeping the Commonwealth's natural communities thriving. You can make a difference by supporting endangered species conservation while filing your taxes this year. Simply look for Line 33A for Endangered Wildlife Conservation on your state tax form and write in any amount. Your meaningful donation will go to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund which is dedicated specifically to the conservation of rare species in the Commonwealth.

Many rare species have benefited from the protection afforded under MESA and the work of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), including the restoration and conservation of the peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and northern red-bellied cooter. However, there is still a lot to do and in the face of habitat loss, emerging diseases, invasive species, climate change, and other threats, this work is more important than ever!

Conservation efforts include targeted restoration and active management of habitats; collection, management, and analysis of biological data; conducting regulatory reviews; and the development of educational programming, publications, and conservation tools to connect residents with nature and help guide state and partner conservation priorities. Your donations to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund go toward equipment and services needed to give these species a fighting chance.

Already filed your taxes, but still want to donate? There are a few other ways to contribute:

• Online with a credit card or electronic check*
• Through your MassFishHunt account
• By check made payable to "Comm. of MA—NHESP" and mailed to: MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581

_{*You will be redirected to our payment portal with nCourt, LLC.}

Junior Conservation Camp teaches outdoor skills to MA teens

Teens who like the outdoors will love Conservation Camp! Designed for girls and boys aged 13–17, the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp (MJCC) offers a hands-on curriculum focused on outdoor skills, conservation, and ethics. During the two-week overnight camp, teens can try new outdoor activities, improve their current skills, and meet like-minded peers.

The MJCC will be held at the Moses Scout Reservation in Russell from August 3–15, 2025. Registration is now open. Conservation groups and sporting clubs who want to sponsor a camper may also register to reserve a spot for a deserving teen.

Campers gain a variety of skills during their two weeks at camp. Professionals from environmental agencies provide hands-on experiences and demonstrations on topics including wildlife, fisheries, forest fire control, and forest management. Experienced and enthusiastic outdoors men and women teach fishing, camping, wild foods, archery, and firearms shooting and safety. In addition, campers have the opportunity to earn certifications in Basic Hunter Education and Boating Safety.

Tuition is $1,150, but most campers receive full scholarships from sporting clubs and conservation organizations across the state. Click here for more information on groups with camp scholarships.

For an inside look at camp life, check out this Massachusetts Wildlife magazine article.

Date published:	February 4, 2025