We have written and collected information regarding wildlife and wildlife issues you may encounter to help you better understand interacting and helping wildlife in your area.
Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported in wild birds in Massachusetts. While the risk of transmission of HPAI to humans is considered to be low, we recommend contacting your local animal control officer (ACO) for assistance if you have found a sick or injured bird.
It is important to resist the urge to feed deer in the winter. Providing supplemental food for deer is not in their best interest, as their activity, movement, and feeding naturally decrease in the winter. Deer utilize their body fat and browse on natural available vegetation.
If you encounter several dead birds in one place or have observed a group of sick birds, please refer to this fact sheet from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
It is not uncommon to see a wild mammal that looks debilitated and has a poor hair coat. In many instances, this is a condition called “mange”, most often caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabeii (Figure 1), that lives in the skin of the animal. The mite burrows and lays...
In late spring and early summer, it is common to see turtles crossing roads as they search for mates and as females search for nesting sites. Injuries from collisions with motor vehicles are the most common reason we receive turtles at Tufts Wildlife Clinic. Here’s how you can help.
Wildlife nests are everywhere and come in all different shapes and sizes. They are sometimes obvious and easily seen, but other times hidden, out of reach and difficult to locate. Very commonly, wildlife babies fall, are pushed or are even blown out of their nests by a high wind.
Dogs & Wildlife When outside with your dog, be aware that your dog may be an attractant to animals like coyotes or cougars that may view it as a threat or prey. You should also be sure to keep your dog clear of other wildlife such as porcupines, deer, raccoons, and rattlesnakes.
Windows Can Be Deadly For Birds Ornithologists estimate that up to 100 million birds are killed each year by collisions with windows. These collisions usually involve small songbirds, such as finches, that may fall unnoticed to the ground. Sometimes the birds are merely stunned and recover in a few moments.
Should I feed birds year-round? Feeding birds year-round is not necessary. Bird feeding is most helpful at times of when birds need the most energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration, and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted.
The Tufts Wildlife Clinic encourages the public to take an interest in and appreciate wildlife. However, feeding wildlife can result in injury and disease for the animal. While offering food to wildlife may seem like a kind action, please proceed with caution for the following reasons...
While performing yardwork, there are several things you can do to help wildlife babies, particularly in the Spring. The following guidelines will help keep wildlife families safe and together: The single most important thing you can do to protect wildlife when trimming trees and bushes is...