The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is warning homeowners who leave food in their yards that they could be attracting a very unwanted visitor. The department said it has already investigated 27 nuisance black bear complaints this spring, with most of them originating in the Kennebunk and Arundel area. Black bears have begun […]
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DIFW warns bears are awake and looking for food
PORTLAND — Nuisance bear complaints are an annual rite of spring in Maine, and state officials say they have begun this year. Bears emerge from hibernation hungry and many of the natural foods they eat in the wild, such as fruits and nuts, are not yet available. This sometimes causes them to seek human food […]
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You can now have a pet hedgehog in Maine; no permit needed
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife agrees with some Mechanic Falls students that hedgehogs would make fine pets. The agency added them to a list of allowable pets. State Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, submitted a bill on behalf of Mechanic Falls sixth-graders who asked a legislative committee in February if the state could ease […]
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‘Unusually cold weather’ extends ice fishing in northern Maine
A hardy ice fisherman looks for another spot to dig a hole in the Androscoggin River by the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park in Turner in mid February. Ice fishing may not be as safe now in the area but northern Maine’s “unusually cold weather conditions” has extended ice fishing season to April 16. CARIBOU — The […]
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Jeffrey Evangelos asks feds to investigate game wardens
AUGUSTA — A Maine state lawmaker says he wants the federal government to investigate the conduct of undercover game wardens facing questions for law enforcement tactics, including providing alcohol and encouraging poaching. State Rep. Jeffrey Evangelos tells the Portland Press Herald he sent the request to the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday. Dozens have […]
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Lawmakers won’t plan public hearings on wardens
AUGUSTA — The state legislature won’t hold public hearings this year into the conduct of undercover game wardens after a newspaper reported on tactics including providing alcohol and encouraging poaching, and one legislator said lawmakers lack the stomach to question law enforcement ahead of elections. Chairs of the committee that oversees the warden service said such […]
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Maine eyes changes for exotic pet permits
AUGUSTA — You won’t be able to keep a gorilla in your garage anytime soon. But those who do keep or breed exotic animals have until June 17 to weigh in on proposed changes to Maine’s rules that determine which creatures are legal to keep and which aren’t. Regulated by the Maine Department of Inland […]
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Maine DIFW submits bill putting bats on endangered list
PORTLAND — A bill that would add two bat species decimated by white nose syndrome to Maine’s endangered species list was submitted to the state legislature on Tuesday. The state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife wants to add the northern long-eared bat and little brown bat to the endangered list. Cave counts of the two […]
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Maine DIFW won’t spend any more money against Question 1
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has announced it will expend no “additional funds or resources” to campaign against the upcoming referendum to ban bear baiting, hounding and trapping in Maine. The representation was offered in response to referendum proponents Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting’s request for an emergency injunction, set to be […]
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Maine to study brown trout in Kennebec River
MADISON — Maine officials are hoping a new study will help restore the brown trout fishery on the Kennebec River. A Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist says competition for food and habitat among fish populations in the river has stunted growth of the trout. The Portland Press Herald reports next week, the department […]