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.
wildlife
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.
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%.
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.
How to spot the menagerie of birds even in the dead of a Maine winter
As birdsongs quiet, some resilient species stay to outlast the cold. Midcoast Maine Audubon specialists shed light on who stays, who flees, and who should be migrating but aren’t due to the warming climate.
Suzie the bear, longtime Maine Wildlife Park resident, dies at 30
‘Suzie wasn’t big for a black bear, but her bear boss attitude reminded her larger bear friends to respect their elders,’ the park said in its announcement.
Maine loon count finds healthy population
The loon count takes place annually on the third Saturday in July – July 20 this year, when 1,624 volunteers turned out across 407 lakes.
Montana man gets 6 months in prison for cloning giant sheep and breeding it
Arthur Schubarth pleaded guilty to charges that he conspired to use tissue from a sheep illegally brought into the U.S. to clone that animal and then use the clone and its descendants to create a larger, hybrid species of sheep that would be more valuable for his captive hunting operations.
Suzie the black bear celebrates 30th birthday at Maine Wildlife Park in Gray
Keepers planned a day full of enrichment for Suzie while educating visitors about Maine’s black bear population.
Hikers face charges for violating trail closure at Acadia National Park
Several trails at Acadia are closed for parts of each year to protect endangered peregrine falcons, which nest on cliffs.