The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food. During this time, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to Read the Rest…
Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds motorists to be vigilant. The shortening of day length, called the photo period, triggers white-tailed deer breeding season. During this time, these deer travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day in search of a mate. Most Read the Rest…
Somerset County fourth graders participate in outdoor learning event The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve recently celebrated its 30th annual Wetlands and Wildlife Field Day, an environmental education event that provides fourth graders in Somerset County with the opportunity to engage in environmental stewardship activities and interact with natural Read the Rest…
Public Can View and Comment Online Through March 1 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has posted the proposed 2023-2024 Migratory Game Bird Seasons for public review. As in years past, DNR is providing an online forum to collect public comment on these proposals now through March 1. The DNR website also includes a Read the Rest…
Throughout a career in natural resources work, one of the questions I get most often is, “what do you do in the winter?” It is a common perception that there just isn’t much to do when it comes to field biology and conservation in the coldest season. It is true that the urgency caused by Read the Rest…
Citizens Encouraged to Help by Reporting Winter Flock Sightings This winter, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is kicking off the first comprehensive study of wild turkeys ever conducted in the state. The 3-year research project aims to answer many questions about factors potentially impacting turkey populations.
Second-time Winner Takes 49th Annual Competition The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Gerry Putt won this year’s Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Putt of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, won the 49th annual contest with his stunning painting of three American wigeons, titled “Marsh Buddies.”
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer These days, most of us have a high-tech scientific instrument on hand at all times. Can you guess what it is? The smartphone camera has revolutionized research and data collection in the field, lab, and classroom. New applications Read the Rest…
Exhibits Now Open in the Mosner Miller Building The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will bring displays, exhibits and programs about our state’s forests, fish, waters, and wildlife to the 2022 Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds from Thursday, Aug. 25 through Monday, September 11. Fairgoers are invited to stop by the DNR Read the Rest…
Wild turtles are on the move in spring and summer, looking for love and a place to nest. During nesting season female turtles don’t travel far from their typical homes, often attempting to cross busy roads to reach ideal nesting habitat. Deal Island Road in the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is one such Read the Rest…
Under a bright blue sky in early May 2021, about 20 people gathered at a boat ramp south of Ocean City, Maryland, to launch an unusual structure into Chincoteague Bay: a makeshift island that could be common terns’ best chance to survive in the region. The volunteers wheeled eight 8-by-16-foot wooden platforms into the water Read the Rest…
Gift to Support Wildlife Education and Upland Habitat Projects The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service recently received a $1.7 million gift from the estate of longtime employee Marilyn Mause specifically for wildlife education and upland habitat projects. Mause, who worked 34 years for the department’s wildlife unit primarily within the Read the Rest…
Depiction of Snow Geese Wins Annual Contest Towson resident Jim Taylor won this year’s 48th annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest held by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Judges chose Taylor’s depiction of snow geese flying over a cornfield to be featured on the stamps hunters purchase to hunt all migratory game birds Read the Rest…
Smoke May Be Visible from Nearby Highways The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a controlled burn on Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area on a date to be set in December as weather and other conditions allow. Residents or drivers who see smoke in the area southwest of Rawlings should be aware that Read the Rest…
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears. Read the Rest…
Maryland Motorists Should Remain Alert for Deer Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds motorists to be vigilant. During this time deer travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day in search of a mate. Most wildlife species are also more Read the Rest…
State Reminds Residents to Observe Wildlife from a Safe Distance and to Not Feed or Pet Wild Animals Each year during the spring and summer months, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) receive reports of captive wildlife situations in which residents attempt to care for or possess Read the Rest…
Applications Must Be Submitted or Postmarked by May 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) properties. Anyone who owns such property, or someone granted permission by the owner, may license their shoreline to establish offshore stationary blind sites for hunting waterfowl, and/or Read the Rest…
The Department of Natural Resources has monitored and researched black bears in Western Maryland since the mid-1980s. One of the most important tools used by Wildlife and Heritage Service managers to follow these bears has been the radio collar. By using both conventional radio collars and the more modern GPS (Global Positioning System) collar, researchers Read the Rest…
Fall Breeding Season Has Deer on the Move Deer mating season is right around the corner and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to be on the lookout for these large animals as they increase their activity in search of partners. Other wildlife are also more active as they search for food going Read the Rest…
Applications Must Be Submitted and Postmarked by May 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) property owners. Riparian property owners, or anyone granted permission by the owner, may license their shoreline allowing them to establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for Read the Rest…
Handling Fawns is Usually Unnecessary, Often Dangerous, and Always Illegal Fawns are a sight to behold. Born helpless in late spring, they rely on their camouflage and virtual lack of odor to help them hide from danger. Fawns instinctively lie motionless when approached by potential predators. This behavioral adaptation has helped white-tailed deer survive for Read the Rest…
Final Harvest Numbers Higher than the Previous Season The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that deer hunters harvested 79,457 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 6, 2019 through Jan. 31, 2020. The statewide harvest included 29,233 antlered and 46,777 antlerless white-tailed deer, plus 1,552 antlered and 1,895 antlerless sika Read the Rest…
On behalf of the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Thomas DiGregorio has been recognized as the 2019 Conservationist of the Year. The award was presented at the Nov. 20 meeting of the Wildlife Advisory Commission at the Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis. “Tom DiGregorio’s Read the Rest…
Hunters Can Bag One Goose Per Day The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s migratory Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting season will take place in two segments, Dec. 20, 2019 through Jan. 4, 2020 and Jan. 14, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2020. Hunters can bag one goose per day in Maryland’s AP Read the Rest…
Wildlife Activity Ramps up for Fall Fall means cool weather and colorful foliage. It can also mean unpredictable wildlife. Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to stay alert for deer and other wildlife as these animals seek food supplies and mates before winter.