News and Announcements

For Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

This invasive fish was most likely illegally released by a pet owner. This is only the fifth confirmed snakehead recorded in the Commonwealth since 2002.

Bird feeder recommendation updated. Public asked to consider alternatives to safeguard wildlife health and safety.

MassWildlife is holding a public hearing on September 28. Proposed regulations would establish a pheasant/quail permit, eliminate seasonal bag limits, remove rooster-only restrictions, and eliminate registration for pheasant hunting at Martin Burns WMA.

Fall trout stocking begins around mid-September. Over 61,000 rainbow trout that are 12 inches or longer and about 4,000 brown trout over 9 inches long will be stocked across Massachusetts this fall.

On August 26, MassWildlife and North Quabbin Trails Association celebrated an agreement to maintain Tully Trail segments on MassWildlife lands.

Peregrine falcon restoration began in the late 1970s and MassWildlife continues to monitor nesting success of this resilient and fascinating species in Massachusetts.

Hunting is a safe activity. Equipped with the right information, non-hunters can feel comfortable using the woods at any time of year.

Surplus permits become available in late September.

​​​​​​​Officials from MassWildlife and wildlife veterinarians from Tufts Wildlife Clinic confirmed that in late July, a young bald eagle succumbed to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning.

MassWildlife safely conducted 17 prescribed fires this spring to improve wildlife habitat. New this year, MassWildlife is using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (aka UAS or drone technology) to monitor habitat conditions before, during, and after fires.

Hunter Education graduates can sign up to participate at locations throughout Massachusetts. Clubs will have smaller class sizes this year so spots may fill quickly.

Maps contained in the atlas help protect animals and plants listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

Six years ago, MassWildlife launched an effort to establish a secure population of the state-threatened eastern spadefoot at Southwick WMA. MassWildlife confirmed this population successfully bred for the first time in July 2021.

Private and municipal landowners of conserved lands can apply for grant funding to support active habitat management projects that benefit wildlife and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.

Little is known about the abundance and distribution of northern black racers in Massachusetts. An upcoming Massachusetts Wildlife magazine article follows a group on Martha’s Vineyard as they research these snakes.