WILDLIFEDIVISION

Managing Connecticut’s Wildlife

The CT DEP Wildlife Division is The CT DEP Wildlife Division is mandated by law to conserve and mandated by law to conserve and

manage all forms of wildlife in the state.manage all forms of wildlife in the state.

Food W ater Shelter

W ildlif eB io logica l C arry ing C apaci ty

SafetyConcerns

Tolerance

PeopleC ul tura l C arry ing C apaci ty

Wildlife M anagem ent

Management ActivitiesManagement Activities•Habitat ManagementHabitat Management

•Endangered speciesEndangered species•Reintroducing native speciesReintroducing native species

•Hunting/TrappingHunting/Trapping

Research ProjectsResearch Projects•MonitoringMonitoring•BandingBanding•TelemetryTelemetry

Technical Assistance Technical Assistance Educational ActivitiesEducational Activities

Habitat ManagementHabitat Management

Managing Habitat for imperiled speciesManaging Habitat for imperiled species

Each year protective fencing is installed around the nesting sites of two threatened shorebirds: the Piping Plover and the Least Tern.

Managing HabitatManaging Habitat

Fields on state owned and managed properties are assessed Fields on state owned and managed properties are assessed annually to determine if they need prescribed burns or mowing to annually to determine if they need prescribed burns or mowing to restore old field habitats and delay succession.restore old field habitats and delay succession.

These fields habitats are These fields habitats are critical for a variety of critical for a variety of wildlife including listed wildlife including listed grassland birds such as grassland birds such as grasshopper sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, American Kestrels, Upland American Kestrels, Upland Sandpiper and others. Sandpiper and others.

Meadowlarks and bobolinks need vast expanses of Meadowlarks and bobolinks need vast expanses of field habitat for nesting and breeding.field habitat for nesting and breeding.

Managing HabitatManaging Habitat

The habitat management The habitat management program also enhances program also enhances wildlife habitat through wildlife habitat through forest management plans forest management plans that may include that may include maintaining vegetative maintaining vegetative buffers or retaining snag buffers or retaining snag and den trees that are and den trees that are important nesting sites for important nesting sites for birds and mammals.birds and mammals.

Managing HabitatManaging HabitatLarge tracts of forested lands Large tracts of forested lands are managed for neotropical are managed for neotropical migrants such as the Scarlet migrants such as the Scarlet Tanager, the Black-and-White Tanager, the Black-and-White Warbler, Ovenbirds and Warbler, Ovenbirds and others.others.

Wildlife Division staff also help to identify and review proposals to buy new lands.

Managing HabitatManaging HabitatAn important An important component of the component of the habitat management habitat management program is the program is the management of management of marshland.marshland.

Sometimes this Sometimes this involves phragmites involves phragmites control, maintaining control, maintaining dikes and other water dikes and other water control structures or control structures or creating potholes for creating potholes for waterfowl.waterfowl.

Managing HabitatManaging Habitat•Agricultural Agricultural Agreements with Agreements with FarmersFarmers

•Approximately 3000 Approximately 3000 acres maintained as acres maintained as farmland through lease farmland through lease agreementsagreements

•WHIP ProgramWHIP Program • LIP Program

Managing Habitat Managing Habitat for a Speciesfor a Species

Providing, maintaining Providing, maintaining and checking boxes and checking boxes installed for wood ducks…installed for wood ducks…

Managing Managing Habitat for a Habitat for a

SpeciesSpecies

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Screech Owl

Managing Habitat byManaging Habitat byremoving non-native speciesremoving non-native species

Purple Loosestrife

Monitoring Habitats for unique speciesMonitoring Habitats for unique species

•The state-endangered Bog turtle lives The state-endangered Bog turtle lives in calcareous (containing calcium in calcareous (containing calcium carbonate, calcium or lime) wetlands carbonate, calcium or lime) wetlands such as sphagnum bogs, wet such as sphagnum bogs, wet meadows and wet pastures. meadows and wet pastures.

•Biologists have surveyed a Biologists have surveyed a number of historic and new number of historic and new locations for the presence or locations for the presence or absence of habitat and/or absence of habitat and/or turtles. turtles.

Monitoring Habitats for unique speciesMonitoring Habitats for unique species

Puritan Tiger Puritan Tiger Beetles are Beetles are only found in 2 only found in 2 places in the places in the world, one world, one being CT.being CT.

Boat surveys of the Boat surveys of the CT River were CT River were conducted to search conducted to search for other locations for other locations where beetles may where beetles may be translocated.be translocated.

Monitoring Habitats for unique speciesMonitoring Habitats for unique species

•Historic locations Historic locations are surveyed to are surveyed to assess the assess the population status of population status of a freshwater mussel a freshwater mussel called the dwarf called the dwarf wedge mussel, a wedge mussel, a state and federally state and federally endangered species. endangered species.

• Freshwater mussels are important bioindicators and many of Freshwater mussels are important bioindicators and many of the native CT species have experienced population declines. the native CT species have experienced population declines.

Reintroducing Species Reintroducing Species to Native Habitatsto Native Habitats

•Found to have high Found to have high survival rates and survival rates and successful successful reproductionreproduction

•Now common Now common throughout CT.throughout CT.Fisher

•Considered extirpated Considered extirpated by 1900’s due to logging by 1900’s due to logging and overexploitationand overexploitation•Reforestation allowed Reforestation allowed fishers to move from fishers to move from Massachusetts into Massachusetts into northeastern parts of CTnortheastern parts of CT•1988 fishers were 1988 fishers were trapped from NH and VT trapped from NH and VT and relocated to the and relocated to the Northwestern parts of Northwestern parts of CTCT•Monitored through Monitored through radio-tracking & snow radio-tracking & snow trackingtracking

Wild Turkey •Were eliminated by the Were eliminated by the early 1800s due to early 1800s due to logging, unregulated logging, unregulated hunting and a series of hunting and a series of harsh wintersharsh winters

•Free roaming wild Free roaming wild turkeys were live-turkeys were live-captured in other captured in other states (with the use states (with the use of rocket nets) and of rocket nets) and translocated to CT.translocated to CT.

•Between 1975 and Between 1975 and 1992, 356 wild 1992, 356 wild turkeys were turkeys were released at 18 sites released at 18 sites throughout CT.throughout CT.

•Now present in all Now present in all 169 towns.169 towns.

•We have regulated We have regulated hunting season.hunting season.

Aerial and field Aerial and field population censuses population censuses

allow for the allow for the monitoring of wildlife monitoring of wildlife

populations.populations.

•Each spring waterfowl Each spring waterfowl biologists count waterfowl biologists count waterfowl seen at ponds, marshes and seen at ponds, marshes and swamps within randomly swamps within randomly selected, one kilometer square selected, one kilometer square plots. plots.

•In CT, there are 50 plots in In CT, there are 50 plots in inland habitats and six in inland habitats and six in coastal tidal habitats.coastal tidal habitats.

•Winter surveys are often Winter surveys are often conducted to search for conducted to search for deer throughout the state deer throughout the state or waterfowl along the or waterfowl along the coast, major rivers and coast, major rivers and selected lakes. selected lakes.

•Results help indicate Results help indicate population trends and can population trends and can be used to help determine be used to help determine bag limits and season bag limits and season lengths for duck hunting lengths for duck hunting seasons.seasons.

Monitoring Large MammalsMonitoring Large Mammals

Winter TrackingWinter Tracking •Bobcats Bobcats •FisherFisher•CoyoteCoyote

Sighting recordsSighting records

-Black Bear, Bobcat -Black Bear, Bobcat & Fisher& Fisher

Monitoring Large MammalsMonitoring Large Mammals

Sighting recordsSighting records• Based on reports collected Based on reports collected

from the public and from from the public and from hunters from 1996-2002 hunters from 1996-2002 Moose have been present in Moose have been present in up to 25 towns in up to 25 towns in Connecticut.Connecticut.

• As of 2006, at least 100 As of 2006, at least 100 moose occupy CT.moose occupy CT.

• Research Project initiated Research Project initiated in 2007.in 2007.

Mid-Winter Bald Eagle SurveyMid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey• Occurs every year Occurs every year

on the 2on the 2ndnd Weekend Weekend in January. in January.

• Volunteers assist Volunteers assist Wildlife Division to Wildlife Division to count the number count the number of individuals of individuals throughout the throughout the state.state.

• Provides an index of the species’ winter use of CTProvides an index of the species’ winter use of CT• Numbers can be compared from year to yearNumbers can be compared from year to year• In 2006 66 eagles were countedIn 2006 66 eagles were counted• In summer 2006 9 breeding pairs, 6 nests produced 12 chicksIn summer 2006 9 breeding pairs, 6 nests produced 12 chicks

Grassland Bird SurveyGrassland Bird Survey•The grassland bird survey is part of a statewide The grassland bird survey is part of a statewide initiative to more thoroughly inventory CT’s grassland initiative to more thoroughly inventory CT’s grassland bird population using techniques that have been bird population using techniques that have been standardized by Partners in Flight for grassland bird standardized by Partners in Flight for grassland bird research projects throughout the northeast. research projects throughout the northeast.

•The majority of species considered “grassland birds” The majority of species considered “grassland birds” are already listed as endangered, are already listed as endangered, threatened, or species of special threatened, or species of special concern under the Connecticut concern under the Connecticut Endangered Species Act and are Endangered Species Act and are quickly disappearing from historic quickly disappearing from historic sites due to habitat changes.sites due to habitat changes.

Bird SurveysBird Surveys•The Wildlife Division The Wildlife Division coordinates a number of coordinates a number of bird surveys annually:bird surveys annually:• Woodland RaptorsWoodland Raptors• Wetland CallbackWetland Callback• Owl SurveysOwl Surveys• Whippoorwill and Whippoorwill and

Nighthawk surveysNighthawk surveys• Barn Owl SurveysBarn Owl Surveys• Shrubland/Grassland Shrubland/Grassland

SurveysSurveys• Chimney SwiftsChimney Swifts

Woodcock surveys and researchWoodcock surveys and research

Mosquito Sampling – W.H.A.M.M.Mosquito Sampling – W.H.A.M.M.

EEE & WNVEEE & WNV

HUNTING is an important wildlife management tool.

Regulated hunting helps Regulated hunting helps keep populations at the keep populations at the carrying capacity of the carrying capacity of the habitat and at a level habitat and at a level compatible with people’s compatible with people’s use of the land.use of the land.

Data collected at Data collected at check stations check stations

provides important provides important information for information for

wildlife managers.wildlife managers.

DistributionAge Weight SexAntler beams (Yearlings) Excellent: 20.0 mm + Good: 18.0 to 19.9 mm Fair: 15.5 to 17.9 mm Poor: 12.0 to 15.4 mm

Herd Assessment: Herd Assessment: Biological data collectionBiological data collection

FawnFawn

AdultAdult

YearlingYearling3rd premolar

not fully erupted

Last cusp of 3rd

molar not fully erupted and unworn

1 yr. 7 mo.(6 teeth)

020000400006000080000

1896Year

Deer

Popu

lation

1974 20001936

30003000

Connecticut’s Deer Connecticut’s Deer Population TrendPopulation Trend

1900019000

7600076000

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Zone 11

Zone 4

Replacement Tags

Extended SeasonExtended

Season - Jan

-Annually monitor and assess population size-Annually monitor and assess population size

. . . What is the State doing? . . . What is the State doing?

--Modify hunting seasons to increase efficiencyModify hunting seasons to increase efficiency

Arc

her

y H

arve

st

5 yr period

11

4

Marking Marking Techniques are Techniques are

an important tool an important tool in wildlife in wildlife research.research. Waterfowl Banding Waterfowl Banding

occurs every falloccurs every fall

Allows wildlife managers to Allows wildlife managers to trace local movements, trace local movements,

estimate population changes estimate population changes and determine a species’ and determine a species’

lifespan.lifespan.

Resident Canada Goose StudyResident Canada Goose Study•A four year study allowed us A four year study allowed us to determine the movements to determine the movements and survival of adult and and survival of adult and juvenile resident geese. juvenile resident geese.

Banding of State Listed SpeciesBanding of State Listed Species

Each year young Ospreys, Each year young Ospreys, Bald Eagles and Peregrine Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons are banded by DEP Falcons are banded by DEP biologists.biologists.

In 2006 we banded In 2006 we banded 12 Peregrine chicks 12 Peregrine chicks and 10 Bald Eagle and 10 Bald Eagle Chicks.Chicks.

Telemetry plays an Telemetry plays an important role in important role in wildlife research.wildlife research.

Raccoon with collar

Used to determine Used to determine Home Range and Home Range and

Movement Patterns Movement Patterns of Animalsof Animals

Rattlesnake ProjectRattlesnake ProjectTook place from 1998-2001 to track rattlesnakes implanted with Took place from 1998-2001 to track rattlesnakes implanted with radio transmitters. It was found that snakes move quite a distance radio transmitters. It was found that snakes move quite a distance from the wintering dens throughout the summer. Movement from the wintering dens throughout the summer. Movement patterns mapped by this project are helping DEP land managers patterns mapped by this project are helping DEP land managers prioritize land protection efforts where the snakes are found.prioritize land protection efforts where the snakes are found.

Tree-Roosting Bat ProjectTree-Roosting Bat ProjectTree-roosted bats such as the Red Bat, the Hoary Bat and the Tree-roosted bats such as the Red Bat, the Hoary Bat and the Silver-haired bat are all species of Special Concern in Connecticut. Silver-haired bat are all species of Special Concern in Connecticut. Very little Very little information exists information exists regarding their regarding their roosting habitat roosting habitat requirementsrequirementstherefore, our therefore, our biologists have been biologists have been trying to track the trying to track the movements of these movements of these species.species.

OBJECTIVES:OBJECTIVES:– Determine Population size and Determine Population size and

distributiondistribution– Look at effects and distribution Look at effects and distribution

of Deer vehicle accidentsof Deer vehicle accidents– Determine Home range size, Determine Home range size,

movementsmovements– Determine Perception of deer Determine Perception of deer

population by peoplepopulation by people– Acceptability of removal Acceptability of removal

methodsmethods– Are there Incentives to harvest Are there Incentives to harvest

more female deer?more female deer?– Perceptions and experiencesPerceptions and experiences

Deer Management ProjectsDeer Management Projects

New England Cottontail & Eastern New England Cottontail & Eastern Cottontail ProjectCottontail Project

•Initiated in January of 2002.Initiated in January of 2002.•The purpose is to assess movements, home range use, habitat The purpose is to assess movements, home range use, habitat needs, survival and causes of mortality of both the New England needs, survival and causes of mortality of both the New England and Eastern cottontail rabbits in Connecticut.and Eastern cottontail rabbits in Connecticut.

Black Bear ProjectBlack Bear ProjectWildlife Division Biologists have been Wildlife Division Biologists have been trapping, marking, radio collaring and trapping, marking, radio collaring and releasing bears to determine population releasing bears to determine population size and their home range.size and their home range.

Last year we went in on Last year we went in on the dens of 12 radio the dens of 12 radio collared sows. The collared sows. The average litter size was average litter size was two cubs.two cubs.

Technical AssistanceTechnical Assistance

Nuisance Wildlife Control Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCO)Operators (NWCO)•Trained & Licensed to remove Trained & Licensed to remove animals in, on or around homesanimals in, on or around homes

Wildlife RehabilitatorsWildlife Rehabilitators•Trained and appointed to care Trained and appointed to care for sick, injured and orphaned for sick, injured and orphaned wildlifewildlife

Nuisance Nuisance Beaver Control Beaver Control •Provide technical Provide technical

assistance and assistance and volunteer trappers volunteer trappers for individuals that for individuals that

have beaver have beaver damage.damage.

Crop Damage Permits Crop Damage Permits •Provide technical assistance Provide technical assistance and permits to farmers and permits to farmers experiencing deer damage.experiencing deer damage.

Living with WildlifeLiving with Wildlife

Master Wildlife Master Wildlife Conservationist ProgramConservationist Program

•The Wildlife Division provides adult volunteers with The Wildlife Division provides adult volunteers with eight weeks of training in wildlife conservation, eight weeks of training in wildlife conservation, ecology, management and interpretation. ecology, management and interpretation.

•Upon completion of the coursework, the Upon completion of the coursework, the candidates have one year to complete their candidates have one year to complete their volunteer service agreement by leading interpretive volunteer service agreement by leading interpretive walks, library programs, school presentations, walks, library programs, school presentations,

habitat enhancement projects habitat enhancement projects or or assisting wildlife assisting wildlife biologists with their biologists with their research. research. •Contact Laura Rogers-Castro Contact Laura Rogers-Castro

at 860-675- 8130 or at 860-675- 8130 or laura.rogers-castro@po.state.ct.us..

Connecticut’s Connecticut’s LandownerLandowner

Incentive Program Incentive Program (LIP)(LIP)

What Is LIP?What Is LIP?The Landowner The Landowner

Incentive Program Incentive Program (LIP) is a technical (LIP) is a technical

assistance and cost-assistance and cost-sharing program sharing program

designed to benefit designed to benefit species at risk. LIP species at risk. LIP

will fund habitat will fund habitat projects on private projects on private

land containing land containing priority habitats that priority habitats that

support species at support species at risk.risk.

Priority Habitats Priority Habitats Supporting the Supporting the

Majority of Majority of Connecticut’s At-Risk Connecticut’s At-Risk

SpeciesSpecies

• Early successional stage Early successional stage habitats – grasslands, habitats – grasslands, old fields, shrublands, old fields, shrublands, seedling/sapling seedling/sapling habitat.habitat.

• Wetlands – tidal and Wetlands – tidal and freshwater.freshwater.

• ““Imperiled Imperiled Communities”, Communities”, especially those within especially those within these habitats.these habitats.

Connecticut’s ComprehensiveConnecticut’s ComprehensiveWildlife Conservation StrategyWildlife Conservation Strategy

Questions?Questions?