Latest news with #VTF&W
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
How to protect nesting loons and their chicks
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermonters hiking and boating on lakes may be familiar with the haunting call of the loon, an aquatic bird that has been the focus of protection efforts. This summer, Vermont Fish & Wildlife (VT F&W) asks people to be aware of their habitats. 'Loons were removed from Vermont's endangered species list in 2005, but they continue to face threats from human disturbance during the breeding season and mortality from the ingestion of fishing gear,' said VT F&W wildlife biologist Jillian Kilborn. Loons can become stressed when chased, even to the point of abandoning their young, so keeping a distance is important. Eric Hanson with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) says a top danger to loons in the state are fishing lines left behind by anglers, which can entangle the birds. 'Loons will take live bait and lures, killing a few each year,' says Hanson. 'A few loons have even learned that anglers are a source of easy food, and just like bears, it is very important that loons do not learn this problem habit.' Police: Black bears are prowling Colchester neighborhoods Hanson also says that the 'no wake' laws requiring boaters to slow down to 5 miles per hour within 200 feet of shorelines help protect loons, because the strong waves caused by fast-moving boats can destroy loon nests along the shoreline. Anyone interested in monitoring loons for the Loon Conservation Project can contact Hanson at loon@ Volunteers can also help out on LoonWatch Day, held annually on a Saturday in July to provide a loon population count. This year's count will be on July 19 between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Vermonters look ahead to June 18 moose hunt application deadline
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermonters across the state interested in hunting moose may want to submit their application sooner than later. Hunters have until June 18, 2025, to apply. All lottery applications are $10 dollars for residents, and $25 dollars for non-state-residents. Winners of the permit lottery will then be able to purchase them at different prices, depending on resident status. Those who have held one of these permits within the last five years are not eligible to apply. Eleven permits in total have been set aside for those with life-threatening illnesses, Vermont veterans and actions. This year's hunt will include 100 antlerless and 80 either-sex moose hunting permits, with activities specifically limited to Vermont's Wildlife Management Unit E. About 10% of the moose population in WMU E is predicted to be harvested, according to VTF&W experts. Moose numbers will be quelled in the northeastern corner of the state because they are 'the primary host for winter ticks,' according to VTF&W Moose Project Leader Nick Fortin. 'Moose are the primary host for winter ticks, and higher moose densities support high numbers of winter ticks which negatively impact moose health and survival.' A permit-winner drawing will take place July 15. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Drivers reminded to slow down for turtles
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermont's turtles are on the move as we enter late spring, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking for the public's help in keeping them safe. 'Turtles are usually slow to move, so they have a tough time safely crossing roads. If you spot a turtle on the road, please consider helping it across but be sure you're in a safe spot to pull over and get out of your car. Human safety comes first,' said VTF&W herpetologist Luke Groff. Exciting 'Forever Home' announcement revealed! 'If you're going to move a turtle off the road, always move it in the direction it was traveling. They know where they're going.' Female turtles will soon be looking for places to lay their eggs, and they can choose inconvenient or dangerous locations such as gravel parking lots and driveways. Most turtles can be safely picked up and carried, but snapping turtles have a powerful bite, so people should be alert. Snapping turtles are often larger turtles without colorful markings. Instead of using your hands, snappers can be safely lifted with a shovel or pulled across roads on a piece of cardboard. Anyone interested in learning more about turtle breeds and animal safety can check out the VTF&W website or the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
VT wildlife department warns against taking wild turtles
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – The Vermont Fish and Wildlife department warns that common wild turtles in Vermont, including painted turtles and snapping turtles, are not suitable pets. Luke Groff, a VTF&W herpetologist, says that 'Capturing a wild turtle, even if only for a short time, is not only bad for that individual but it could hurt turtle populations as well. 'Releasing captured turtles back into the wild can spread wildlife diseases and also affect the genetics of the local population.' Removing turtles from the wild can have major consequences, especially in May and June during egg-laying season for some species. The most common wild turtles in the state are snapping turtles and painted turtles, but rarer species also exist. Wood turtles, which remain in Vermont in small numbers, have reportedly lived in the area for 10,000 years. All varieties of turtles, regardless of appearance or type, should not be removed from their habitats. Anyone interested in learning more about turtle breeds and animal safety can check out the VTF&W website or the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
