Is
it okay to feed deer during the winter?
No. It is not a good idea to feed deer. Feeding deer makes them
vulnerable to predation and vehicle collisions, among other things.
Fed deer tend to travel more in the winter going between feeding
sites and exhaust their fat stores. Unfed deer tend to travel less,
stay in natural winter deer yards, and conserve their resources
to survive the winter -- the natural survival strategies that have
served them for eons. Another concern of the Department is that
feeding deer can make them more vulnerable to disease. We are aware
of the threat that diseases, including Chronic Wasting Disease,
can place on New Hampshire's deer herd, and feeding of deer creates
the highest potential to spread the disease quickly if it shows
up in the state. For more information on deer feeding, click
to download "More Harm Than Good"* (PDF, 956KB).
What can be done to help
a lone duck/goose that is freezing into the ice on a pond, lake,
etc.?
Healthy animals are capable of leaving a freezing pond when the
amount of open water is not sufficient for their needs. Unfortunately,
there isn't much that can be done for animals too weak or sick to
leave on their own. Since the ice is probably not safe for people
to walk on, the best thing to do is to let nature take its course.
<return to top of page>
What can I do about
flying squirrels or other small animals that have taken up winter
residence in my attic or other part of the house?
These creatures are looking for a warm, safe place to take up residency
for the winter. An overhanging branch or tree limb is an open invitation
for these species to get onto your roof and possibly into your home.
Trim the overhangs as much as possible to prevent animals from easily
getting onto your roof. If an animal gets into your home, you will
need to remove it, if not on your own, then by contacting a Wildlife
Control Operator to assist with the removal. Once the animal is
removed, you need to determine how the animal got in; eaves, cracks
in the foundation, an open door, etc. Once you locate the entryway
you need to block it off so the animal cannot return. You can also
contact Wildlife Services at (603) 223-6832. They can give you information
to assist you with the removal of the animals. <return
to top of page>
When do deer and/or moose
shed their antlers? Where are the deeryards in my town, and is it
OK to go into a wintering deeryard to look for sheds?
Moose generally shed their antlers in November. Deer generally shed
antlers in late December and early January, although some antlers
may be retained until late winter. In much of the state, deer may
not be "yarded" at all if snow depths are limited. The
Department encourages individuals to wait until spring to look for
shed antlers. In cases where winter conditions are severe and deer
are confined to small areas and/or limited trail systems, disturbance,
particularly by motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles or groups
of people acting as "search parties," can cause increased
stress and energy expenditure which can adversely effect deer. <return
to top of page>
What is the status of
the CWD Surveillance testing in N.H.?
New Hampshire's deer population shows no evidence of chronic wasting
disease (CWD), based on monitoring data gathered during the 2003-2005
hunting seasons. Fish and Game Deer Biologist Kent Gustafson noted
that a federally certified veterinary diagnostic laboratory has
indicated that all the deer brain samples taken during the 2003-2005
hunting seasons tested negative for CWD. During the fall 2003
deer
hunting season, for example, Fish and Game collected heads from
hunter-killed deer across the state for testing; a total of 388
deer heads were
sampled. The monitoring is part of a nationwide effort to identify
areas with CWD.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological
disorder known to affect white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk.
The
World Health Organization has concluded that there is no evidence
that people can become infected with CWD. The disease was first
identified in 1978 and remained isolated in Colorado, Wyoming and
Nebraska for about a decade. Currently, jurisdictions in which
CWD
has been found include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana,
Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah,
West Virginia, Wisconsin and
Wyoming in the U.S.; plus Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada. A
nationwide effort is underway to prevent further spread. This
effort
includes collecting annual samples of deer brain tissue as part
of ongoing monitoring and surveillance efforts. Click
here for a fact sheet about CWD. <return to top of page>
Is it OK to feed
turkeys during the winter? If so, what is the best type of food
for them?
The Fish and Game Department discourages people from purposefully
feeding turkeys because doing so enhances the likelihood of disease,
predation and human conflicts. The Department does not provide turkey
feed or compensate individuals for the cost of turkey feed. The
Department does participate in qualifying cost/share projects intended
to enhance turkey habitat. Good habitat management practices that
result in the production of winter persistent fruits, seeds and
grains, can enhance the value of your land to wildlife and eliminate
the need to feed. While the Fish and Game Department does not advocate
wildlife feeding, we recognize that turkey feeding will, at times,
take place with or without our input -- and we also recognize that
poor feeding practices may do more harm than good. Therefore, and
in response to numerous inquiries from the general public, we have
written "Guidelines for
winter feeding of wild turkeys in New Hampshire" -- click here.<return to top of page>
What type of animal
is eating the bark at the base of my trees?
If it is chewing off more than the bark and taking the entire tree
down, it is a beaver. If it is just eating the bark around the trees,
it could be a vole, mouse, porcupine or possibly a rabbit. To prevent
further damage to the trees, you can purchase plastic mouse guards
that can be wrapped around the base of the trees. You can also purchase
1/4"hardware cloth from a hardware store and wrap a 2' length
of it around the trunk. (Hardware cloth is an inexpensive galvanized
mesh that these animals cannot chew through). <return
to top of page>
How
often do deer need water? Do they get much water from their daily
food?
Water exists in 3 forms: free (puddles), preformed (in plant and
animal tissue) and metabolic (from oxidation of carbohydrates, fat,
and protein).
Deer likely drink daily, when water is available.
They also get substantial water from food (even hardwood browse
is 50% water). Finally, they get water as a byproduct of digestion.
There is no standard water requirement for deer since their needs
vary by sex, age, reproductive status and season. However, during
winter, water requirements for deer are reduced and mostly come
from food and digestion/catabolism. Lactation increases the water
requirement for does, which probably drink to meet their needs.
<return to top of page>
I think
I found an orphaned fawn (or other animal)... what should I do?
Leave it alone and leave the area. Young are often left by themselves.
A female deer (doe) will only return to the fawn to feed and then
will leave the area. When a fawn is born, it has almost no scent
on it, therefore, reducing the chance of attracting predators. Its
instinct is to lie down in an area and hardly move until the doe
returns to feed it. The doe has scent which could attract predators
to the area, therefore, once the fawn is fed she will leave the
area until it is feeding time again. The doe will only go to the
fawn if she believes it is safe. Therefore, if you should happen
upon a fawn, you should try leaving the area in order for the doe
to return. It is not unusual for a doe to leave the fawn for several
hours, especially if there is a lot of human or other activity in
the area. <return to top of page>
I have
a family of fox living in my backyard, what should I do?
If possible, leave them be. Once the young are old enough to be
on their own, the family will disperse and move on. If you have
an outdoor cat, you may want to consider leaving it indoors since
fox, as well as fisher and coyote prey upon small animals which
would include a cat if it has an opportunity. It is not unusual
to see the family out during the day since the adults need to forage
for food day and night in order to feed the entire family. If you
see any type of unusual behavior, or the fox are getting too close
for comfort, contact
our Wildlife Division for more information. <return
to top of page>
A bear
took down my bird feeders or has been seen in my yard.
Remove the feeders immediately. Bird feeders should be taken down
by April 1 of each year -- and they should not be put up again until
December 1 or later. See the Something's
Bruin section of our website for information on bear behavior,
and tips on keeping them out of your yard. <return
to top of page>
When
is it safe to put my bird feeders up?
We suggest that you wait at least until December 1 to put your feeder
back up. However, if we have not had several days and nights of
cold weather, bears may still be active and looking for food, and
you should keep your feeder down until we have had several days
of cold weather. In the spring, bird feeders should be put away
by April 1. <return to top of page>
A
baby bird has fallen out of nest or my dog/cat has disturbed a nest
and the birds dispersed.
Eventually, baby birds will become too large for the nest and will
attempt to take their first flight. Although they cannot fly very
far, as long as the adults are around you should leave them be.
If you have a cat or dog that may bother the baby birds, try to
leave them inside until the adult gets them to a safer place. If
the chicks appear to be too young to get around, and you can reach
the nest, put gloves on and place the bird back into the nest. If
the bird appears to be injured, contact
our Wildlife Division office for a local rehabilitator to
contact. <return to top of page>
What
type of habitat is necessary for different species? Can I get a
landowner grant? The N.H. Fish and Game Department has a Small Grants Program
to help landowners with a minimum of 25 acres restore or enhance
habitat for wildlife. Funding of up to $2,000 per year (no more
than $6,000 over a ten-year period) is available for the creation
and/or maintenance of wildlife habitat within the property. Examples
of projects that may qualify for funding include: brush clearing
or mowing to maintain grasslands and shrub-lands; release of old
apple trees; and maintenance of woodland openings. In exchange for
the grant, landowners agree that their land will remain open for
non-motorized public access activities, including hunting. For more
information, contact the Wildlife Division at (603) 271-2461, or
e-mail wildlife@wildlife.nh.gov. For general inquiries regarding
how to create particular wildlife habitats, contact the UNH Cooperative
Extension at (603) 862-3594. <return to top of
page>
A
turtle is laying eggs on the side of the road, lawn, sandbox, etc.,
what should I do?
Between May and July, female turtles will leave the water and seek
out soft, sandy soils in which to dig a hole, lay their eggs, and
then return to the water. Unfortunately, turtles are often seen
laying eggs on the soft shoulders of roads. The best thing to do
is to leave them be, and hope for the best. The eggs will hatch
sometime between September and October. Once hatched, the infant
turtles' instinct is to head for the water. <return
to top of page>
Often a turtle may lay eggs in an area that is
going to be disturbed, such as a child's sandbox or a pile of loam
that is going to be spread. If this is the case, you can attempt
to relocate the nest in a nearby area that will not be disturbed.
Carefully dig up the eggs, noting how deep they were buried, and
relocate them in a similar soft/sandy soil at the same depth. With
any luck, come September or October, the eggs will hatch. <return
to top of page>
I
found a dead bird, what do I do?
The Department of Health and Human Services is interested in receiving
reports of dead bird sightings. A toll-free number has been established
for reporting and providing information regarding West Nile virus.
The number is 1-866-273-6453. You may also find information at the
following website:
www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/BCDCS/West+Nile+Virus/default.htm.
<return to top of page>
A
fisher, fox, or coyote is in my yard going after my cats, small
dog, or livestock. What can I do?
The best thing is to keep your cat inside, especially at night,
which is when these animals are most active. Fisher, fox, and coyote
are all species located throughout the State that prey upon small
animals, which will include squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, as well
as cats, very small dogs, or livestock such as chickens. When your
pets or livestock are roaming outside, they are leaving their scent
wherever they go. This is what attracts any of these predators.
If you feel you must let your cat out, you may want to consider
being outside with it since fisher, fox, and coyote keep their distance
from humans. If you have a small dog, be outside when it is outside.
If you have livestock, such as chickens, keep them in a pen instead
of letting them roam. You can contact our Wildlife Division for
wildlife control operators to contact to remove the fisher, fox,
or coyote, but as long as the cat, dog, or livestock are allowed
to roam around, other predators may be attracted in. <return
to top of page>
I saw
a raccoon (skunk, fox, etc.) during the day. Is it rabid?
Not necessarily. These animals are generally nocturnal (active during
the night), however, it is not unusual to see them during the daytime.
For example, during the spring, adults will be foraging for food
day and night for their young. If you see any type of unusual behavior,
such as an animal pacing back and forth, or signs of aggression,
contact the Fish and Game Dispatcher at (603) 271-3361 or your local
police. Click here to
download the brochure, Wildlife, Rabies and YOU! (PDF, 89
KB)<return to top of page>
I think
I saw a timber rattlesnake.
We receive several of these calls throughout the spring and summer.
The majority of the time, what individuals actually see is a milk
snake. The milk snake is a common species in the state. It is a
light-colored snake with copper-brown blotches going down its
body.
When startled, the milk snake will coil up and vibrate its tail
so rapidly that it makes a buzzing noise which is often confused
for the rattlesnake. All milk snakes will have a V or a Y shaped
blotch on the top of their head just behind the eyes. So, if you
should see a snake with blotches or one that is coiled up making
a buzzing noise, look for the V or Y shape blotch on its head,
which
will confirm that it is indeed a milk snake. (Milk snakes are the
only snake in New Hampshire that is a constrictor, it wraps around
its prey -- mice, small birds, and other snakes -- and suffocates
it. (The milk snake is non-poisonous). Click
to download Protect
the Timber Rattlesnake,* (PDF, 125 KB) a flyer containing
color photographs of the timber rattler and other commonly misidentified
NH snakes.
A
bird flew into the window and is stunned... what do I do?
Leave it alone. If it is stunned, it needs to rest, and when it
is ready will fly off. If it appears there is more of an injury,
such as an injured wing, contact our Wildlife Division for the name
of a rehabilitator nearby that you can contact. <return
to top of page>
A bird
(robin, crow, etc.) keeps flying/fighting with itself in my window...
is it sick?
No, it is not sick. Sometimes when a bird sees its reflection in
the window, for territorial reasons, it will try to fight with the
reflection. If it is only occurring in a small basement window,
cover the window with cardboard or another material so the bird
cannot see its reflection. You can also try to hang window decals
which may distract the bird from its own reflection. <return
to top of page>
I
hear a blood-curdling screech or scream during the night... what
is it?
Grey fox and red fox can sometimes make this noise. <return
to top of page>
Can
game birds carry West Nile Virus (WNV) and can I get WNV from processing
or eating a game bird?
The National Wildlife Health Center has found that a number of game
bird species including ruffed grouse and waterfowl have tested positive
for WNV. For a complete list of species, go to www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/west_nile/wnvaffected.html.
There is no evidence that WNV can be transmitted to humans through
consuming infected birds or mammals. However, wearing rubber or
latex gloves when handling and cleaning wild game is recommended
to prevent blood exposure to bare hands. You should fully cook any
meat you consume. For more info, go to the Center for Disease Control
website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile.
The Q&A section explains this subject in more detail and gives
hunters precautions to follow. The Department of Health and Human
Services has established a toll-free number for reporting and providing
information regarding West Nile virus; call 1-866-273-6453. For
more:
www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/BCDCS/West+Nile+Virus/default.htm.
<return to top of page>
Where
can I find topo maps or maps of Fish and Game properties or Wildlife
Management Areas?
The N.H. Fish and Game Department is working on creating maps and
information on our state properties. However, for now the best source
is to purchase a DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer of N.H. The front of
the atlas lists state properties and they are highlighted on the
maps within the book.
I
want to remove a beaver dam on my property... can I do it myself?
Before removing any beaver dam, you should review the Wildlife
Profiles section of our website. It explains the functions
and importance of beaver dams to other wildlife as well as alternatives
to removing a dam, such as installing beaver piping. If you must
remove a beaver dam, you can remove a small dam with hand tools.
However, if you bring machinery and equipment in to remove the dam,
you must first contact the Department of Environmental Services
Water Division at 271-3503 for their approval. <return
to top of page>
Whom
do I contact for information about insects?
The State Entomologist is with the Department of Agriculture. The
number to call is
(603) 271-2561. <return to top of page>
Whom
do I contact for information about rabies/Lyme disease?
If you have questions relating to the possibility of an animal with
rabies, you should call one of the following numbers:
Law Enforcement - (603) 271-3361
Wildlife Division - (603) 271-2461
Region 1 Office - Lancaster (603) 788-3164
Region 2 Office - New Hampton (603) 744-5470
Region 3 Office - Durham (603) 868-1095
Region 4 Office - Keene (603) 352-9669
For questions about rabies and Lyme disease relating
to people, you should contact The Department of Public Health at
(603) 271-4496. <return to top of page>
Where can I look for
more information about N.H. wildlife?
For fish and wildlife information, try our search engine (upper
left). For information about birds, try N.H. Audubon's "Ask
the Naturalist" at www.nhaudubon.org/naturalist.htm.
For specific animal species, try www.enature.com.
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