Black Bears, Other Wildlife Begin Preparing for Winter Hibernation
November 6, 2008
SPOONER, Wis. – As temperatures drop and snow flurries begin to fly in November, some Wisconsin wildlife animals begin looking for spots where they can avoid the cold by either hibernating or enter a long winter’s sleep.
State wildlife officials say that there are generally two kinds of winter sleepers: true hibernators and “light sleepers.”
“Both styles help animals and some reptiles endure the winter,” says Gary Dunsmoor, a Department of Natural Resources wildlife technician in Spooner. “And both most likely have a lot to do with food availability — just as many species of wildlife migrate for the winter months due to lack of food here, many animals likely hibernate for the same reason.”
Dunsmoor says true hibernators like bats, woodchucks, and ground squirrels “sleep so deeply, it is almost impossible to wake them.”
A woodchuck’s heart rate, he notes, goes from 80 beats a minute when active to four to five beats a minute in hibernation. Other true hibernators include snakes, turtles, and frogs. Frogs and turtles bury themselves in the mud below the frost line getting oxygen from air trapped in the mud. Some snakes head underground while others gather together in sheltered places like rotted logs.
Dunsmoor says bears, skunks, raccoons, opossum and badgers are “light sleepers.”
“These characters can be awakened from their winter nap. They breathe a little more slowly and lower their body temperature a few degrees during sleep but will awaken to feed.”
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Black bears in Wisconsin usually begin looking for places to make their dens by mid-October, Dunsmoor says, but warm weather or a healthy acorn crop will keep them active into November. Bears generally make dens in shallow holes near overturned stumps or blown-over trees, in shallow caves, in hollowed-out trees or in rock crevices. However, Dunsmoor says, some bears take only a low spot on the ground with plenty of leaves to sleep on.
While scientists are not sure how or why animals go into hibernation, Dunsmoor says they have found a special substance in the blood of hibernators.
“It is called Hibernation Inducement Trigger. If blood is taken from a hibernating squirrel in the winter and injected into an active squirrel in the spring, the active squirrel goes into hibernation,” he says..
What biologists also know is that hibernators put on a special kind of fat known as brown fat. This special fat is found across the back and shoulders of hibernating animals, close to their organs like the brain and liver. Brown fat delivers quick energy to an animal coming out of hibernation.
Dunsmoor says wildlife watchers can see hibernators out foraging for foods now in attempt to put on as much fat as possible because they will not eat much when the snow flies.
Come the snow when outdoor adventurists are cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing they will probably be passing by hibernators without knowing it.
“Snows provide insulating warmth and cover. They won’t hear them either, most hibernators, don’t snore,” Dunsmoor notes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Dunsmoor – (715) 635-4092
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Dusky (blue) Grouse Range Expanded to Mogollon Rim by Arizona Game and Fish
September 19, 2008
Chicken-sized bird offers upland hunters and bird-watchers a unique opportunity
PHOENIX — The dusky “blue” grouse’s population and range are increasing in Arizona due to recent translocation efforts by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to offer upland hunters, bird watchers, and outdoor recreationists another area to enjoy this unique bird.
Over a two-week-long effort in July, Arizona Game and Fish biologists, wildlife managers and interns worked tirelessly in the field to capture 20 birds near Moab, Utah, and then 12 more from the north Kaibab Plateau in Arizona. Thirty-two blue grouse in total were captured, banded, and some fitted with transmitters, and then released near the Rim Lakes on the Mogollon Rim.
“This first translocation went very well. Many thanks go to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, who allowed us to capture grouse from their state. Utah has a much more robust dusky grouse population, and we were able to capture a lot of birds in a short time,” states Ron Day, small game, predator and furbearer biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Dusky grouse, previously referred to as blue grouse, are the second largest of the grouse family. Males can weigh up to 3 pounds. They are a dusky blue-grey color and, like most grouse, exhibit the broad fan-tail with a distinctive band across the feathers. Their habitat consists of subalpine mixed conifer forests of Douglas fir, spruce, aspen and grassland meadow areas for foraging. Before this translocation, blue grouse could only be found on the North Kaibab Plateau, the highest peaks of the White Mountains, and a very limited range atop the San Francisco Peaks.
“Our research determined this area of the Mogollon Rim has a large amount of contiguous mixed conifer habitat that is very suitable for grouse,” says Day. “Our goal is to bring this unique bird into sustainable populations to offer sportsmen and wildlife watchers a closer location to enjoy these birds.”
In the second year of a five-year effort to expand the range of the blue grouse to this region, additional translocations may involve up to four different release sites and, when established, should provide for sustainable populations for years to come.
The project is funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program, which generates its funding through excise taxes on firearms, ammunitions, archery equipment and arrow components and then apportions the funding to state wildlife agencies.
However, grouse hunters should note that Unit 4A and 5A are closed hunting areas. There is no hunting allowed in the area of a translocation for five years after the last transplant date. For example, if this were the last translocation, these birds could not be hunted until 2013.
Also, turkey hunters in Units 4A and 5A are cautioned to be certain of their target. Blue grouse look very similar to a young turkey.
For future hunters, the prospect of hunting this challenging bird and then taking in some trout fishing on the Mogollon Rim will be well worth today’s efforts. Science-based translocation programs follow the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and are designed to increase diversity of wildlife populations throughout the state and beyond to the benefit of all citizens.
For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department, visit www.azgfd.gov
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Watching Bighorn Sheep in Nevada - From A Distance
September 12, 2008
Wildlife watching is fast becoming a popular, low-cost outdoor sport, and an increasing number of people want to know where they can go to have a good chance of seeing wild animals. In Southern Nevada, one the most popular animals for wildlife watchers is the desert bighorn sheep — Nevada’s state animal.
Though most animals tend to be very skittish, some herds of bighorn sheep are more tolerant of human activity than others. This makes bighorn sightings fairly common in Southern Nevada. However, there are still some things wildlife watchers need to keep in mind when seeking them out.
First and foremost, bighorn sheep, no matter where one finds them, are wild animals. As such, their behavior is unpredictable at best, and our behavior can put undue stress on the sheep. When we get too close to them, for example, sheep can exhibit defensive behavior or retreat. Sometimes, in an attempt to put distance between themselves and people, the sheep will actually move into an area where they are in more actual danger, said Pat Cummings, a wildlife biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
At Hemenway Park in Boulder City, for example, people can enjoy a close encounter of the sheep variety by simply having a seat beneath one of the gazebos. The sheep can frequently be seen feeding in the park and relaxing in the shade.
“If people will just sit quietly and hold still, the sheep will come as close as they feel comfortable, but when people try to get closer the animals exhibit avoidance behavior. The problem is the sheep may react by leaving the park and moving to the grassy areas along the highway (US 93) where they are sometimes hit by automobiles. This, of course, is an unacceptable situation for both the sheep and human beings alike,” Cummings said.
Another concern is the rut or breeding season. Due to Southern Nevada’s variable climate, bighorn ewes (females) can cycle and give birth year round. Rutting, or breeding behavior, can occur at almost any time but reaches its peak in August and September. During this time, the rams (males) vigorously pursue receptive ewes and can become aggressive when competing with each other for a ewe’s affections. Rams also can be aggressive toward people if cornered.
To avoid putting stress on the animals, wildlife watchers should always maintain their distance when observing bighorn sheep, or any big game animal for that matter, said Cummings. At Hemenway Park, “the gazebos are plenty close. There is no reason to approach any closer,” said Cummings. In other locations, wildlife watchers should keep an eye out for any behavior that might indicate the sheep are anxious. Walking away is one indicator, stomping of the feet is another.
People also might see bighorn sheep along the highway below Boulder City or near the Hoover Dam, but motorists should not stop because they may startle the sheep and cause them to jump into a travel lane.
Cummings said many people don’t realize what a unique opportunity we have in Southern Nevada to regularly view desert bighorn sheep. The chance of viewing these striking animals in more remote desert areas is far more improbable.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
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New Wildlife Viewing Website Includes “How To’s” and “Places To Go” In Arizona
August 5, 2008
What better way to spend a weekend than to get out and explore Arizona’s scenic beauty and natural treasures? Arizona is home to more than 900 animal species and 50 million public acres of natural land, making it an ideal destination. Now there is a Web site that provides wildlife enthusiasts and casual viewers with everything they need to hone their technique and find the perfect spot.
 The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s new wildlife viewing site offers tips for watching wildlife; how to observe wildlife responsibly; where to go in Arizona; a comprehensive list of watchable wildlife events in the state; and, news and features. From how to watch to when to watch, the site helps novice wildlife watchers get started and reminds seasoned viewers of the finer points of catching a glimpse of their favorite species. Information on how to select the right optics, including binoculars, is also included.
Wildlife viewing is the activity of watching and enjoying wildlife species in their natural environment. This recreational activity is growing in popularity as it offers a relaxing, low-cost adventure that can be done close to home and is fun for the whole family. It can be as simple as observing birds on a backyard feeder or as adventurous as a moonlit hike through a canyon to watch nocturnal animals scurry about under the cover of dark. Watching wildlife can be done by anyone, anytime, anyplace and at virtually any age.
Watching wildlife provides significant economic benefit to the state with more $825 million spent in 2006 in Arizona and its communities. It also leaves a lasting impression on participants and imparts an increased awareness of the benefits of conserving the state’s irreplaceable resources.
The Web site is part of the department’s Watchable Wildlife Program that strives to manage wildlife while providing for the responsible recreational use of the resource. Much of the support for the program comes from the Heritage Fund, a fund started in 1990 by Arizona voters to further conservation efforts in the state. Funding comes from Arizona Lottery ticket sales.
To start planning your next wildlife adventure, visit www.azgfd.gov/wildlife.
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Commission to Unveil Handicapped Hunting Lifts
May 8, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – Disabled hunters and sportsmen will soon get a birds-eye view of deer and other wildlife, thanks to a unique partnership between the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen.
The two have partnered to purchase ten Huntmaster hydraulic lifts that will allow handicapped sportsmen to be elevated some 20 feet above the ground. The media is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to present the lifts at 10 a.m. Monday, May 12, at the commission’s Butner Depot on Brickhouse Road, on the border of Durham and Granville counties.
“The acquisition of these lifts is another example of the leadership role that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has taken in advancing opportunities for handicapped sportsmen across the state,” said Steve Windham, vice chairman of the commission. “More and more of the commission’s work has focused on meeting the needs of our disabled friends and these lifts will allow those friends to better experience and enjoy the many natural wonders and outdoor activities North Carolina has to offer.”
The Commission provided $50,000 toward the purchase of the hydraulic lifts, and the N.C. Handicapped Sportsmen raised an additional $50,000.
Several government officials, including Congressman Robin Hayes, who represents North Carolina are scheduled to attend. Congressmen Brad Miller and David Price have been invited, along with the state’s General Assembly.
Maj. Gen. Randy West, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Member and board member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, is also scheduled to speak.
“I know of no other single piece of equipment that makes as much difference for mobility impaired hunters and wildlife watchers,” West said. “As a North Carolinian, I am proud of my state for paving the way and becoming the first state in the union to field at least one Huntmaster for every wildlife district!”
The lifts – which are attached to trailers – can be moved to any area of the state for the commission’s special permit hunts for handicapped sportsmen, which occur several times each year.
Media and other attendees will see the ten lifts displayed among the trees and fields of the commission’s Butner depot. They’ll also get the opportunity to see how the lifts work, as well as meet with some of the donors who made the purchases happen and the sportsmen who will use them.
The Commission offers a variety of opportunities for disabled sportsmen, as well as various permits, adaptive fishing gear and boating and gameland access.
For more information on the commission’s opportunities for disabled sportsmen, click here.
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Public Recreation in Riparian Areas Closed Due to Fire Danger at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
April 27, 2008
From April 22 - May 5, certain areas at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to public recreation due to extreme fire danger. Specifically, units A, B, C, and D are affected by the closure.
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Units A-D are bosque areas along the Rio Grande that are home to many wildlife species, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. Normally, these areas are open to public recreation. Units A and B are popular with bird and wildlife watchers and waterfowl hunters, while Unit D is home to an outdoor classroom.Â
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Exceptionally dry conditions threaten these forested habitats. The Refuge Manager will enforce this area closure until May 5, 2008. At that time, conditions will be re-evaluated and the closure may be lifted, or continued if necessary.
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Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, located between Bernardo and San Acacia, is one of over 540 national wildlife refuges in the United States. The 228,700 acre refuge was established in 1973 to preserve and enhance the integrity and character of the refuge ecosystems. Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge actively manages and promotes wildlife and habitats through riparian restoration, upland enhancement, exotic species control, and education.
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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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For more information about fish and wildlife conservation in the Southwest, visit http://www.fws.gov/southwest/
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