MassWildlife Monthly February 2026

News from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

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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.  

If you see:

• 4/4 - Four toes on front and four toes on hind feet = dog family, cat family, rabbit family or hare family
• 4/5 - Four toes on front and five toes on hind = rodents (mice, voles, chipmunks, squirrels, woodchucks, porcupine, muskrat)
• 5/5 - Five toes on front and five on hind = weasel family (mink, fisher, weasels, otter), skunk, bear, opossum, raccoon, shrew, beaver
• Two-toe track = deer & moose

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:

• 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.

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.}

Watch for bald eagles this winter

Many people are surprised to find out that winter is a prime time for birding. There are opportunities for beginner and experienced birders to spot our year-round resident birds as well as the seasonal “snowbirds” that visit Massachusetts for the winter months. Some veteran birders make an annual trek to the Massachusetts coast in winter catch a glimpse of seabirds and sea ducks. Other, more casual birders are content with the sight of back-capped chickadees, downy woodpeckers, or white-breasted nuthatches as they walk or ski along. One iconic bird—the bald eagle—is becoming easier for winter birders to spot.

Bald eagle restoration is one the best conservation success stories in Massachusetts. MassWildlife continues to document steady growth and expansion of the eagle population. That means that there may be more opportunities to see an eagle near you this winter.

Where to look for eagles in MA

Bald eagles usually live in coastal areas, estuaries, and larger inland waters. They need a lot of shoreline habitat with forested areas for nesting. They prefer areas where some trees project above the forest canopy for perching with an unimpeded view. Bald eagles typically choose waterbodies with a good supply of moderate- to large-sized fish.

Eagle-spotting tips:

• Eagles are drawn to open waters. When lakes and ponds begin to freeze, there are fewer areas of open waters which may make eagles easier to find.
• Eagles often gather below dams if water is being released.
• If you see an eagle once, visit that site again. Eagles tend to return to the same section of shoreline or even the same tree throughout the season and year after year.
• Look for large nests in big trees. Massachusetts is home to over 70 nesting pairs. If you do spot a nest, keep your distance and observe from afar.
• If you see an eagle, watching with binoculars from inside your vehicle is a great way to observe the birds without disturbing them and you’ll stay warm.

What do eagles do in the winter?

Bald eagles become sexually mature when they are between 4–6 years old, but they may be considerably older before breeding for the first time. Courtship takes place in mid- to late winter. After courtship, a mated pair builds or adds to a large nest in December–February. The nest is built with large sticks and lined with sprigs of pine, grasses, and other soft materials. Male eagles collect the nest materials and deliver them to their mates, which are responsible for most of the actual nest construction.Once a nesting site is chosen, mated pairs usually return every year and add to the existing nest. Egg laying usually takes place from early March to early April.

If you see a bald eagle nest this winter, please report your observation to MassWildlife at [e-mail]. Please include the location and date of the observation and your contact information. These observations help MassWildlife identify new nest locations and monitor our eagle population.

Other tips for winter birding

• Plan for the weather. Winter birding is a great activity for friends and family, but it won’t be fun for long if you're cold. Dress in layers of fleece or wool, wear warm, sturdy boots, and ensure your outer layer provides wind protection by choosing rain or wind pants and jacket. Don’t forget a scarf or face mask. Sunglasses (or clear safety glasses if it’s overcast) also provide wind protection. A few snacks and water along with coffee or hot chocolate tucked in a day pack will keep you going strong.
• Remember birdwatching ethics. It’s critical for birders and photographers to resist the temptation to get too close. If you get too close to an animal its behavior will change; it may stop feeding, look at you, vocalize, appear nervous, or flee. If you notice a change in behavior, slowly back away. Always follow marked trails where indicated, speak quietly, and move cautiously. Use your binoculars and spotting scope rather than your feet to get “closer” to your subject.
• Use the right equipment. Your main apparatus in birdwatching are your eyes and ears. Binoculars and simple bird identification guide are the minimal gear needed to aid your senses. A spotting scope helps when birding along the coast or in open meadows and fields but not necessary. If you are in a popular birding area, birders are generous and will often offer you a view through their scopes. It might be difficult photographing birds with a camera, but you can capture your birding buddies' excitement and the scenery.

5 love tropes found in nature

The chilly weather of February makes it the best month to get cozy on the couch and dive into a book or movie. And who doesn’t love getting swept up in storylines with complicated relationships? Nature has its love tropes too! From fiery awakenings to soulmate pairings and holiday flings, here are five classic relationship dramas playing out in the forests and fields of Massachusetts.

Soulmates: the orange sallow moth & the false foxglove plant

In Massachusetts, the orange sallow moth is a rare sight, turning up only where the conditions are just right.. Listed as a species of special concern, this moth’s larva (caterpillar) feeds exclusively on a single host plant—its “soulmate”— the false foxglove. Naturally, the orange sallow moth is only found in fire-influenced habitats where false foxglove is present. Learn more about how MassWildlife fosters this epic love story.

The holiday romance: red foxes

With a mating season that stretches from January to February, red foxes make full use of the Valentine’s Day holiday. This time of year, you can often hear red fox romance in the air as they make a number of unique sounds, including a high-pitched and slightly unsettling scream to attract mates. These vocalizations are sometimes mistaken for a person screaming, a “ferocious” fisher, or a distressed animal, but rest assured, this is a normal part of a red fox’s winter pursuit of passion. Following mating season, red fox kits are born in March and April and start to emerge from their dens 4–5 weeks later in late April and May.

The sleeping curse: wild lupine & fire

You have likely noticed that many animals slow down during the winter, and most plants are dormant for many months of the year. But, you might be surprised to know that the seeds of some plants can wait decades in the soil, until conditions are just right, before germinating. Like sleeping beauty, some plants will stay dormant until they are “kissed” by fire. Wild lupine, a native purple perennial in the pea family, has declined by ~90% in the US due to habitat loss and fire suppression. When fire is re-introduced to an area with wild lupine seeds in the soil, the heat breaks through the tough seed coat and triggers germination. Additionally, fire reduces competing woody vegetation, providing a perfect home for the wild lupine to flourish.

The femme fatale: eastern dwarf mistletoe & black spruce

Looks can be deceiving. The eastern dwarf mistletoe plant spends all its time with black spruce trees, making them look like the best of friends. But the small shrub is actually a parasite. In the fall, fruits from the dwarf mistletoe burst, sending seeds up to 30 feet in the air in search of a new black spruce host. The mistletoe spreads beneath the bark of its host and extracts nutrients. Over time, clumps of swollen, infected branches, sometimes called “witches’ brooms,” weaken and sometimes kill the tree.

The bodyguard: skunk cabbage & insects

At first whiff, skunk cabbage hardly seems like a plant that would inspire partnership. But its foul, rotting-meat odor actually attracts certain flies and beetles. Skunk cabbage is uniquely adapted to generate heat, allowing it to melt surrounding snow and emerge among the first plants in spring. Their off-putting odor and their hood (called a “spathe”) make skunk cabbage the perfect bodyguard for flies and beetles to lay their eggs. The skunk cabbage benefits too! When the flies move between plants, they facilitate cross-pollination.

Habitat grants awarded

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded $343,985 in grants to restore over 191 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) awarded grants to seven organizations through the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP). This program provides crucial financial assistance to private and municipal owners of conserved lands to improve habitat for wildlife, steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency, and promote outdoor recreation. Since 2015, the program has funded 125 projects that have restored over 4,900 acres of wildlife habitat. 

“Partnership and collaboration will be essential for meeting our ambitious biodiversity goals. We rely on conservation organizations, cities and towns, private landowners, and other partners to greatly expand our impact,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Together, we can improve habitat for wildlife while also boosting outdoor recreation opportunities.” 

Protection alone is not enough—many habitats that species rely on require ongoing stewardship and care. While Massachusetts has made strides to conserve land, with over 28% of the state permanently protected today, many habitats are degraded, and vulnerable wildlife face increasing threats from extreme weather and destructive pests and pathogens fueled by climate change. To address these challenges, habitat restoration and management will create healthy, resilient landscapes that support a variety of species, particularly those of greatest conservation need. 

“MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program builds on the success of ongoing efforts to advance our mission of conserving the great diversity and abundance of wildlife, plants, and habitats in Massachusetts,” said MassWildlife Acting Director Eve Schlüter. “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: 

• Alford – The Alford Land Trust has been awarded $38,600 to control invasive species at a high-quality fen site that supports multiple species listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA)
• Edgartown – The Trustees of Reservations has been awarded $75,000 to thin pitch pine and scrub oak barrens at Wasque Reservation in an effort to reduce the risk of an invasive southern pine beetle outbreak.
• Gosnold – Buzzards Bay Coalition has been awarded $74,000 to conduct sandplain grassland habitat restoration on Cuttyhunk Island. Sandplain grasslands are globally rare and provide important coastal habitats for wildlife that rely on open areas to feed and nest, like the grasshopper sparrow.
• Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Council has been awarded $31,045 to manage invasive species in floodplain forests and wetlands at the Housatonic Flats Conservation Area and the Rising Pond Conservation Area.
• Nantucket – The Nantucket Island Land Bank has been awarded $72,143 to restore pine barrens at Gardner Farm. Thinning dense areas of pitch pine forest will support numerous MESA-listed species, including rare moths and butterflies, and improve resilience to climate change and invasive southern pine beetle outbreaks.
• Ware – A private landowner has been awarded $22,536 to remove woody vegetation to maintain barrens and shrubland habitat in the Dougal Range. This habitat is particularly important for eastern whip-poor-will, prairie warbler, American woodcock, and a long list of highly specialized, and often rare, pollinators.
• Williamstown – The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation has been awarded $30,661 to treat invasive species at the Lehovec River Walk floodplain forest along the Green River. In addition to habitat for rare species, this site also provides access to nature for Williamstown’s Environmental Justice Community.

"These grants will help communities take proactive, science-based steps to address invasive species, reduce wildfire and pest risk, and strengthen the long-term resilience of critical habitats," said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). "By investing in habitat restoration on Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Cuttyhunk, the Commonwealth is supporting practical climate adaptation and work that protects biodiversity and sustains these landscapes for the future."

"As far back as 2007, Brian and Martha Klassanos have been caring for the Dougal Range, which links the village of Gilbertville in Hardwick to neighboring Ware," said State Senator Peter Durant (R-Spencer). "About 24 years ago, Mass Audubon’s Important Bird Area Initiative recognized the Dougal Range as a globally significant landscape. The Klassanos' continuing work will support certain types of habitat and keep the area as a landscape where visitors can see new life and rare species emerging from vernal pools. They have my sincerest congratulations for their success in obtaining this grant and continuing their work."

“These Habitat Management Grants are a real boost for the ecological health of the Berkshires. Our forests, wetlands, and floodplains shape who we are as a region—supporting wildlife, outdoor recreation, and the quality of life that draws people to these communities," said State Senator Paul Mark (D-Peru). "Local conservation partners are doing the hands-on work to restore habitats, tackle invasive species, and make our landscapes more resilient for the future. I’m proud to see Berkshire organizations leading this effort, and grateful to MassWildlife for investing in projects that protect the natural beauty and biodiversity that define our corner of the Commonwealth.”

“This funding recognizes the value of Williamstown’s conserved lands and the organizations that care for them. The work at the Lehovec River Walk will help maintain a resilient landscape that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy,” said State Representative John Barrett III (D-North Adams).

“Investments like this preserve the unique natural habitats that make our region special. I am proud to see this funding support important shrubland management in the Dougal Range and ensure this area remains healthy for years to come,” State Representative Todd Smola (R-Palmer).

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

Public hearings on proposed deer regulations on February 23

MassWildlife is holding 2 virtual public hearings on February 23 on 2 different proposed deer hunting regulation packages.

Public hearings have been scheduled to gather public feedback about proposed regulatory changes related to deer hunting. Two regulatory packages are under consideration and feedback is being collected separately for each. Brief summaries of the proposed regulations are outlined below.

Proposal to make emergency deer hunting regulations in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs) 13 and 14 permanent

Public Hearing on February 23 at 6 p.m. on Zoom: Proposal to make emergency deer hunting regulations for Zones 13 and 14 permanent. Click this link to join the Public Hearing on Zoom from a computer, tablet, or smartphone; use Passcode: 123123, or join by phone: [phone] with Webinar ID: 845 9649 5260 and Passcode: 123123.

Written comments can be submitted using this feedback form by 5 p.m. on March 9, 2026. Comments can also be submitted by mail to: MassWildlife Re: Deer Public Hearing, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 9, 2026.

Martha’s Vineyard, Elizabeth, and Nantucket Islands (WMZs 13 and 14) are facing a rapidly increasing deer population and a declining number of licensed hunters. Deer overabundance can lead to habitat damage, beach erosion, spread of tick-borne disease, and increased vehicle collisions. This regulatory proposal:

• Extends Winter Deer Season in WMZs 13 and 14. This regulatory proposal would add an additional two weeks in February to the existing Winter Deer Season in WMZs 13 and 14, where primitive firearms and archery equipment are allowed. If this does not pass, the Winter Deer Season in WMZs 13 and 14 would remain January 1–31.
• Creates an Early Deer Season in WMZs 13 and 14. This regulatory proposal would add a new 10-day Early Deer Season in which primitive firearms and archery equipment can be used in WMZs 13 and 14. The Early Deer Season would begin on the second Monday before the Youth Deer Hunt and end on the Thursday before the Youth Deer Hunt, primitive firearms and archery.
• Removes the visibility requirement for harvested deer during transport. Harvested deer will no longer need to remain visible before being reported and tagged with a confirmation number or metal seal.
• Removes the on-island deer check requirement. Hunters who harvest deer in zones 13 and 14 will no longer be required to report their deer before transporting it off-island. During the first week of shotgun all harvested deer are still required to be checked in person at a check station, but island harvested deer may be checked in at stations on the mainland.

Full proposed regulatory language is available at this link: Emergency Deer 321 CMR 3.02(4) Proposed as Permanent. Note: These regulations are currently in effect and were approved as emergency regulations by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board on 12/10/25. A public hearing is required to formally consider these regulatory changes and make them permanent.

MassWildlife is committed to providing equitable access to information, public processes, resources, and programs to ensure all have the opportunity to meaningfully engage with our work and all voices are heard. Live interpretation will be available in 中文, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Português, Español, and Tiếng Việt. American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioning will be provided. To request additional languages, please contact Susan Sacco at [e-mail].

Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available upon request. To submit a request for an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call 617-626-1282; an ADA Coordinator will receive your request. Please include a description of the request in as much detail as possible and a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please allow at least 2 weeks’ (14 days) advance notice. Last-minute requests will be accepted but we may be unable to fulfill the request. 

Proposed changes to the regulations for the hunting and tagging of deer

Public Hearing on February 23 at 7 p.m. on Zoom: Proposed changes to the regulations for the hunting and tagging of deer. Click this link to join the Public Hearing on Zoom from a computer, tablet, or smartphone; use Passcode: 123123, or join by phone: [phone] with Webinar ID: 845 9649 5260 and Passcode: 123123.

Written comments can be submitted using this feedback form by 5 p.m. on March 9, 2026. Comments can also be submitted by mail to: MassWildlife Re: Deer Public Hearing, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 9, 2026.

This regulatory proposal:

• Creates a Winter Deer Season in WMZs 9, 10, and 11 from January 1–31, where primitive firearms and archery equipment can be used. This proposal is intended to provide additional opportunity to harvest deer in areas where deer numbers exceed management goals.
• Expands the Youth Deer Hunt to include both the fourth Friday and subsequent Saturday following Labor Day.  
• Moves the archery deer season start date to the Monday following Youth Deer Hunt. This proposed change is intended to provide more consistency year to year.
• Allows only synthetic and other non-deer-based lures. This proposed change is intended to help prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal disease that infects members of the deer family. While CWD has not been detected in Massachusetts, urine and other deer-derived lures and attractants from infected deer can contain CWD-causing prions that stay in the environment for many years.
• Allows Massachusetts Environmental Police to substitute confirmation numbers for metal seals. Currently, MEP officers need to attach a metal seal to deer taken under Chapter 131 Section 37. This proposed change would allow MEP officers and MassWildlife staff more flexibility for remote reporting of deer using confirmation numbers and allow these deer to be donated to MassWildlife's Hunter Share the Harvest Program.

Full proposed regulatory language is available at this link: MassWildlife Draft Deer 321 CMR 2.0 and 3.02.

MassWildlife is committed to providing equitable access to information, public processes, resources, and programs to ensure all have the opportunity to meaningfully engage with our work and all voices are heard. Live interpretation will be available in 中文, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Português, Español, and Tiếng Việt. American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioning will be provided. To request additional languages, please contact Susan Sacco at [e-mail].

Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available upon request. To submit a request for an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call 617-626-1282; an ADA Coordinator will receive your request. Please include a description of the request in as much detail as possible and a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please allow at least 2 weeks’ (14 days) advance notice. Last-minute requests will be accepted but we may be unable to fulfill the request. 

Date published:	February 2, 2026