News and Announcements

​​​​​​​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.

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.

Oak trees play a substantial role in the forest food web, but they are not regenerating as successfully as they once did. MassWildlife is trying to change that.

MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is accepting public comments on its next edition of the Natural Heritage Atlas. The public can comment on draft priority habitat maps for rare, state-listed plants and animals through 7/3.

From a young age, we're taught planting trees is good for the environment, so alternatively, cutting down trees is bad—right? Well, it's not that simple. 

By conducting strategic and carefully planned burns, MassWildlife uses prescribed fire to restore unique natural communities, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce hazardous fuel.

MassWildlife helped rescue a barred owl from a homeowner's fireplace in February. This barred owl may have been looking for a cavity to nest in when it found itself in a chimney with no easy escape.

The white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey harvest totals were high in 2020. Get details on these record and near-record seasons.

Funding will support continued scientific collaboration addressing serious wood turtle population declines in Massachusetts and other northeastern states.

While you enjoy the outdoors in 2021, make yourself a goal to leave the land cleaner than you found it. Read 5 easy actions to commit to when getting outdoors this year to help keep Massachusetts wild.

Major land conservation project opens up new access for outdoor recreation and protects critical wildlife habitat.

Public invited to engage in rare species conservation and protection efforts

Sportswoman and dedicated community leader Nancy Begin spent her life advocating for fish and wildlife conservation in the Commonwealth.