BAT MORTALITIES IN MASSACHUSETTS

 

After receiving reports in February from Vermont and New York about large numbers of bats dying in caves, biologists from MassWildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated caves and mines in western Massachusetts where colonies of bats are known to spend the winter. Biologists observed bats flying around outside of the state’s larges mine when they should have all been inside hibernating, and found dead bats near the entrance of the hibernacula (winter quarters) which were collected for further study. Biologists confirmed that these bats, like the ones in Vermont and New York, were affected with white nose syndrome (WNS), a term used to describe some of the bats found at these sites that look like their faces were dipped in powdered sugar. This white material is a fungus that is growing on the faces of up to 10% of the bats at the affected sites.   Up to 97% of the bats at some affected sites in New York have died.  

Bats with crusting white fungus were first found in New York bat hibernacula during the winter of 2006-2007. Mortality was high and aroused concern among the bat conservation community. By winter 2007-2008 the syndrome and associated mortality had spread to many of the largest New York hibernacula and to sites in Vermont and Massachusetts. New sites are still being reported.  Of the eight species of bats currently found in Massachusetts, it appears that the bat species most affected by WNS include widespread and common species such as Little Brown Bats, Eastern Pipistrelles and Northern Long-eared Bats as well as the rare, state listed Small-footed Bats. These bats hibernate in caves or mines. Big Brown Bats which commonly hibernate in buildings are not yet known to be affected.  The Red Bat, Hoary Bat and Silver-haired Bat are migratory and apparently not affected. 

Bats at the affected sites have exhibited some unusual behaviors. These behaviors include clusters of bats roosting in the light zone close to cave or mine entrances; dead bats or bat remains found outside of caves in the snow; nearby citizens reporting bats flying during the day in very cold weather (15-20°F) and bats roosting on exterior house walls.  Flying bats have been observed falling to the ground or crash landing and several have been found roosting in woodpiles.  Midwinter necropsies of bats have found the mammals’ fat stores completely depleted, when they would normally last until the bats emerge in spring and begin to feed on flying insects. 

Wildlife managers are concerned about the outbreak because bats congregate by the thousands in caves and mines to hibernate during winter months.  If WNS is caused by an infectious agent, this behavior increases the potential that the disease will spread among hibernating bats.  In addition, hibernating bats disperse in spring and migrate, sometimes hundreds of miles away, to spend the summer.  Bats are important predators of mosquitoes and other insects. A study from Boston University estimates that 14 -15 tons of insects are consumed each summer by the 50,000 Big Brown Bats that live within the bounds of Route 128. “High bat mortality is a major concern because bats have a low reproductive rate,” says Dr. Thomas French, MassWildlife Assistant Director for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. “Most bats raise one pup per year.  It will take decades for bat populations to rebound after a large die-off.” 

Currently, scientists do not know what is causing bats to die in such great numbers. It is not clear if white nose syndrome is a cause or a symptom of bat mortality. Currently, there are 9 universities, 4 or 5 federal agencies, state wildlife agencies and health departments from 3 states, and a host of other volunteers, researchers, and cavers working together to gather data, understand this condition and to diagnose the cause.

 

Anyone wishing to report observations of more than 2 bats flying around outdoors before April 1 can contact MassWildlife by email mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or call 508/389-6360.  The “Homeowners Guide to Bats”, a bat booklet, can be picked up at MassWildlife offices or downloaded from the MassWildlife website in the Publications area: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/publications/bat_guide.pdf.

 

TROUT STOCKING BEGINS MID-MARCH

 

Bay State anglers can look forward to over 579,900 feisty brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout being stocked this spring according to figures released by MassWildlife. Weather and water conditions permitting, MassWildlife stocking trucks will be making their spring trout stocking runs beginning with selected lakes and ponds in the eastern areas of the state by mid-March. Other waterbodies in the state, still covered with snow will be stocked when weather, snow, water and mud conditions permit.

"Half of the 341,000 rainbow trout we will be putting out will be over 14 inches long," observes Chief Fish Culturist Dr. Ken Simmons. "They'll be distributed statewide throughout the stocking season by our five regional Wildlife District offices." 147,600 brown trout will be stocked of which more than 36,000 are larger than 13 inches. The larger water bodies will receive the larger fish with the smaller brooks and streams receiving the smaller fish. 86,000 brook trout, some of which weigh more than 3 pounds will be stocked in a similar fashion. Anglers can also anticipate trying to take some of the 5,000 tiger trout to be released. These handsome fish, a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout will average over 14” in length.

Once the stocking season begins, weekly trout stocking reports will be updated each Friday on the MassWildlife website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife). All schedules are subject to alteration or cancellation due to equipment failure, inclement weather, high water or other unforeseen circumstances. Please refrain from asking when a particular water body will be stocked for the same reasons! Anglers without Internet access may also call the nearest District office for information on trout stocked waters: Western 413/447-9789; Valley 413/323-7632; Central 508/835-3607; Northeast 978/263-4347 or Southeast 508/759-3406. Don't forget to “hook” a new angler of any age on to fishing!

 

BEARS AND BIRDFEEDERS

 

To avoid possible seasonal conflicts between people and bears in central and western Massachusetts, MassWildlife is issuing its seasonal reminder that bird feeders should be taken down by mid-March and other preventive steps be taken. With the snow melting away and warmer days, bears are now leaving their winter dens. In some cases, bears did not den at all during the winter. "There is little in the way of natural foods and bears learn to seek out high-energy human foods such as bird seed," says Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife Bear Project Leader. "This may lead to conflicts that pose hazards to both bears and people." Massachusetts is home to approximately 2,000 resident bears, with the majority living west of the Connecticut River. Bears also reside as far east as Worcester County and towns in northern Middlesex County.

Bears have excellent long-term memories and remember which foods are available at different seasons, and where these foods can be found. Even if a feeder is inaccessible to bears, they will be attracted by the scent of seed and suet. Once they learn the location of these foods, bears will return. Bears are typically shy and fearful of people but deliberate feeding or indirect availability of human food, coupled with a lack of harassment can cause bears to become accustomed to people. If bears lose their fear of people and develop a taste for human foodstuffs, bears can become bolder and may cause damage that ultimately results in harm to people or to the demise of the animal.

If a bear is passing through a neighborhood without stopping, enjoy the sight. However, if the bear stops to feed on trash, bird seed or other human generated foods, remove those foods after the bear has left and advise neighbors to do the same. Due to their fear of people, bears tend to leave a yard when people step outside and make noise. Keep garbage in airtight containers, securely stored in a cellar, garage or shed. Put trash out for roadside pickup the day of trash pickup, not the previous evening. Bears can break into small sheds and barns with loose doors in search of grain or other sweet or meaty smells. Refrain from feeding pets outdoors. Do not deposit sweet or meaty items in compost piles as bears will soon find it. In residential areas where bears are known to be present, the entire neighborhood must take recommended actions or bears will move from yard to yard seeking food. Cardoza noted these actions also reduce problems with other common wildlife species such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks and foxes. For more detailed black bear information, click the Wildlife button on the MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife.

 

TAX SEASON: THE SEASON TO SUPPORT ENDANGERED WILDLIFE

 

Since 1983, Massachusetts tax filers have been able to donate to MassWildlife's Endangered Species Fund while filing their state income tax (Line 32). When you contribute to the fund, you help to protect and restore rare and endangered animals, plants, and their habitats. Past donations have helped conserve and restore in the Commonwealth populations of the Bald eagle, Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly, the Northern redbelly Cooter, and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Donations to the Fund may also be made year round by sending a check made out: Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund and sent to: MassWildlife Field HQ, NHESP, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581. Check the Natural Heritage area of MassWildlife's website at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhesp.htm for more details on the program’s mission.

 

HELP STOCK SALMON FRY!

 

Volunteers from high schools, sporting clubs, civic groups, colleges and individuals with a passion for rivers, fish or fishing are needed to assist MassWildlife in stocking 1.5 million salmon fry (juvenile fish) as part of the Atlantic salmon restoration program. According to Dr. Caleb Slater, MassWildlife's Anadromous Fish Project Leader, at least 20 stocking dates are planned in April and early May to release salmon fry into dozens of Connecticut River tributaries. The fry will come from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer and the White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel, Vermont. Fry will be trucked to meeting sites where volunteers will gather and caravan to release sites. The tiny fish will then be moved from truck to water by bucket using volunteer man and woman power.

Dr. Slater offers some tips for potential volunteers, "You may get wet! A change of clothes is a good idea. You will be walking on slippery stream and river beds, so waders or other waterproof footgear is useful." There are a few waders to loan. Volunteers will also be climbing up and down steep stream banks and should be in good physical condition. MassWildlife aids anadromous (migratory) fish in a number of ways: stocking fry in tributaries of the Connecticut River, monitoring fish passage at dams on the Connecticut, Westfield and Merrimack Rivers; trapping salmon and shad for transport to hatcheries and/or upstream release locations, working with other federal agencies to ensure safe upstream and downstream fish passage at hydroelectric dams, and working with local watershed groups to improve freshwater habitat for fish. For more information on dates, meeting locations and times for fry stocking check out the  fry stocking link at www.mass.gov/masswildlife or contact Dr. Caleb Slater at 508/389-6331.

 

MIDWINTER WATERFOWL SURVEY RESULTS

 

MassWildlife’s waterfowl biologist, H. Heusmann, reports that the annual Midwinter Waterfowl Survey (MWS) on the Bay States coastal areas has been completed. This year the count is notable for the large number of eiders and scoters counted in Massachusetts.  The state total was 83,461 eiders and 24,000 scoters, 82% and 355% above their 10 year average, respectively. Included in this total is information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reporting 14,000 eiders and 19,000 scoters around Martha’s Vineyard and 57,000 eiders and 1,300 scoters around Nantucket.

 

American black duck numbers at 19,271 were 5% above the 10 year average and the 5,133 mallards counted were a record high, but only 1% higher than last year’s count.  Most mallards, however, overwinter on inland sites where people feed waterfowl and they are not found in great numbers on the MWS, a coastal oriented survey.  More than 12,000 mallards were counted at such sites this year. Counts of most other ducks were slightly above or below their 10 year average. This was also true for Canada geese with 12,243 counted, but like mallards, many Canada geese, especially Massachusetts resident birds, winter on inland sites not surveyed by the coastal MWS.   Brant numbers, which winter strictly on the coast, were 59% above average with 2,916 counted.

 

The Boston area portion the survey was covered from the ground by the Boston based bird group, Take a Second Look, on January 6, while the remainder of the state’s coastline was covered with a float plane provided by the USFWS with the cooperation of MassWildlife personnel during the period January 21-25, 2008.

 

CANID SHOT IN SHELBURNE IS CONFIRMED TO BE A WOLF

 

A large canid shot in Shelburne last October was an eastern gray wolf, according to Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Healy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Northeast Region.  According to Healy, the Service's National Forensic Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon, examined the wolf, conducting both genetic and morphological examinations.  Forensic scientists compared the Shelburne canid’s DNA to DNA from wolves of known origin and concluded that the individual was an eastern gray wolf. Their structural comparison concluded that the animal was consistent with gray wolf and inconsistent with coyote, domestic dog and wolf-dog hybrids. "We have no indication that this wolf was ever held in captivity," Healy said.  "But what we don't know about this wolf's origins far outweighs what we do know."

 

In mid-October, a Shelburne farmer notified Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife that a canid had killed and partially consumed lambs on his property.  A MassWildlife biologist visited the farm and took photographs of the lambs and measured tracks found in the area. The following day, the canid was killed on the farmer's property.  The MassWildlife biologist returned to the farm and, upon seeing an apparent wolf, took possession of the carcass. MassWildlife conducted a brief examination, determining that the animal was male, weighed 85 pounds, and the stomach contents included remains of lamb.  A wolf researcher from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst also examined the carcass and concurred that it was most likely a wolf. Because wolves are a federally endangered species, MassWildlife contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and turned the carcass over to that agency.

 

The gray wolf was extirpated from Massachusetts by the mid-1800s.  The closest known wolf population to Massachusetts is in the Canadian province of Ontario. Information about gray wolves may be found on the USFWS website at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered.  Some researchers have proposed that the eastern wolf should be recognized as a separate species than the western gray wolf, but this proposed separation has not been officially accepted by the scientific community.  For more information, contact Tom Healy, USFWS at 413/253-8329.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The following meetings will be held at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters. Both are open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible.

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet on March 14 at 1:30PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. For directions, check the MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife or call 508/389-6300.

The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be meeting on March 18 at Noon at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough off North Drive. Open to all, these public meetings provide Board members with information on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state.  For directions, check the MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife or call 508/389-6300.

 

For a complete listing of March and April fishing clinics, meetings, educational workshops and other wildlife related events open to the public, click on Calendar/Events at: www.mass.gov/masswildlife.

 

 

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www.mass.gov/masswildlife

NEW PHONE NUMBER AT WESTBORO FIELD HQ  1/508-389-6300