The purple gallinule, native to the Caribbean, landed in Houlton but was fatally injured by the cold.
wildlife
Posted inHealth, Local & State, New England, News
Loon rescued on Smithfield pond dies a week later
The loon rescued Dec. 7 was emaciated, had a lung infection and the start of frostbite, according to Avian Haven’s executive director, who offers tips for how to help keep wild animals safe.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
A fox in Waterville tested positive for rabies. Here’s how to stay safe.
State data shows cases in Maine this year of the viral disease are tracking below average.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Seeing more bats in Maine? Here’s why.
Bats, ecologically and economically important, suffered through the 2010s. But experts are cautiously optimistic about the future.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State, News
In Augusta, it’s native plants only for city property
The new policy, aimed at making land healthier for insects and the animals that depend on them, does not apply to residential or commercial properties.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine’s next wildlife protection plan will consider climate threats
The once-a-decade conservation blueprint will weigh climate change threats, include plants as well as animals and emphasize habitat protection.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine tree spraying will kill any caterpillars, not just forest pests
While not toxic to people or most animals, pesticides to protect spruce and fir trees against budworm could also hurt the caterpillar form of two threatened butterflies. Spraying supporters say plans call for a targeted approach.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Peregrine falcons show signs of national decline, but not in Maine
The deadly avian flu killing falcons in other states hasn’t hit here, but biologists still worry about Maine’s peregrine population because it’s so small.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine butterfly species among those experiencing fastest declines
A new study compiling butterfly surveys across the country found a 22% overall decline, while seven species found in Maine declined by more than 50%.
Posted inAnimals, Local & State, News
Maine airports seek exemption from wildlife protection laws
Aviation officials and businesses say a bill to exempt airports from state protections for Maine’s endangered or threatened species would prevent wildlife collisions, but environmental groups say the protections are needed.