A Question of Feeding DeerWhen we experience an especially harsh winter, many people worry about how deer are coping. From the warmth of our homes and the daily routine of feeding domestic stock a...

Frozen Rivers & Watchful Eyesby: Peter Austin-SmithIn the pre-dawn darkness of a mid-winter morning, only the sharp stinging wind gives to the snow covered land. Most life is hibernating or go...

Wood & Wildlife From Your Woodlotby: Fred PayneWildlife is a product of the land and reflects its true condition. As one biologist put it, "Let me suggest to you... that it is not possibl...

On Drowningby: Alex CaronProbably by now you will all have heard about the Federal Provincial Committee for Humane Trapping, and know that it was set up mainly to find the most humane ways of trap...

Island Wildlife Management AreasThe Department of Lands and Forests, as part of its duties to conserve and protect wildlife, has begun a program of designating certain publicly owned coastal islan...

Enjoy Wildlife at a Distanceby: Nancy ChurchillCaptivity is sometimes tolerable, but it is seldom more desirable than freedom. This is true for man - it is also true for wild animals. Wild creatur...

Collecting Animal Trapsby: Nova Scotia MuseumTracks may be collected using either the WAX or the PLASTER method. Experience is the best teacher in this but generally speaking wax is better in dry ...

Who Will Pay for Wildlife?by: Fred PayneSince highways, houses, industrial developments and shopping centres are continually reducing the habitats available to wildlife, we must produce more per u...

Bear Attacks in Nova Scotiaby: Ross HallIn the early morning hours of September 6, 1979, a 16-year-old boy near Belmont, Colchester County, struggled home with a severely lacerated left arm, he di...

Wildlife Protectionby: Tony DukeWhat does it take to protect an animal?A law written on a piece of paper make s it illegal to kill red-eyed vireos. Yet a bull dozer, legally pushing its way throug...

Forest Management and Protection Requirementsby: Ed BailyOne of the most important issues facing our forest industry is a shortage of timber- a shortage resulting from a lack of money spent on for...

Coping with Deer in Gardensby: Ross HallThe obvious retort of many frustrated gardeners reading the title of this article will be "Shoot the damn things". Admit it, however, despite the ...

One of my most memorable field experiences occurred in a swamp just after dusk. The night was hot and humid, without even a whisper of wind. I remember wishing for a breeze to scatter the mosquito...

Co-operating for Wildlifeby: Dave HarrisEvery change in the forest helps some species and hinders others. As any deer hunter can tell you, cutting is good for wildlife. But, how much cutting?Over ...

In the spring of 1980, the Department of Lands and Forests initiated a 5-year program to establish a resident breeding flock of Canada geese in the wilds of Cape Breton. Eggs were collected from t...

Wildlife, Waterways & Woodlotsby: Bob BancroftLakes and streams throughout Nova Scotia offer opportunities for a wide variety of animals, from moose to salamanders. Forested lands bordering th...

An Experiment in Moose Managementby: Ross HallRoad maps in Nova Scotia show 4 large Game Sanctuaries. The Tobeatic, Liscomb, Waverley and Chignecto Game Sanctuaries cover forest areas of 200,200,2...

Putting Forestry & Wildlife Together - The St. Mary's River Projectby: Project StaffAn innovative research project now taking place in Nova Scotia should reveal much about the interaction of f...

Our vast flocks of waterfowl have great meaning to all North Americans. The change of seasons would somehow not be the same without geese flying in V-formation to herald the department of summer o...

Wildlife History to be WrittenA lot of the "old-timers" are gone but their pictures, notes and stories live on. So before the closets and trunks are cleaned out the Department of Lands a...

Canada's Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp PrintWildlife Habitat Canada - The ProgramIn 1985, Wildlife Habitat Canada, a non-profit foundation, initiated a national tradition - Canada's first wi...

The Importance of WildlifeA 1981 federal/provincial survey on the value attached to wildlife by Canadians demonstrates just how important natural flora and fauna really are to Nova Scotians. In 19...

Wildlife Habitat Protectionby: Ellinor WilliamsFor a long time hunters and fishermen have been concerned with the conservation of wildlife. Now they are being joined by more and more city dwellers...

Endangered Speciesby: Tony DukeSpider plants are popular house plants with long spidery stems and long spidery leaves. However, it's an endangered species in my house and there was a time when I w...

Three hundred dollars was not an unusual price for a Nova Scotian trapper to get for a bobcat pelt in the late 1970's. Quickly word got around that long haired fur (foxes, raccoons, and bobcats), ...

Hunting: Kindness or cruelty?Bowhunters and hunters in general are often accused by the antihunter of causing the prey unnecessary suffering. Suffering is generally considered to be of two types: ...

For better or worse, Nova Scotia has recently acquired a new resident mammal - the eastern coyote (Canis latrans var.). Restricted to western North America prior to 1900, the coyote has rapidly ex...

More Puffins?by: J. Sherman BoatesPromotional and tourist information about Nova Scotia is often decorated with the familiar image of the Atlantic puffin. This colourful seabird with its "clo...

Belleisle Marsh Addresses Conflict Between Wildlife & Humansby: Reg MelansonIn response to declining waterfowl numbers, Canada and the United States signed the North American Waterfowl Managem...

Many of Nova Scotia's rural and back country areas have experienced human population growth and increased accessibility. Potential conflicts between humans and wildlife have increased significantl...

Flying Squirrels -- Elusive Forest Friendsby: Shawn GerrowMany people frequent the woods during the day, but few are there at night. If you quietly walk through an older forest after dark, you mig...

Partnerships for Conservationby: Terry PowerIn 1991, a Wetlands Stewardship Project was initiated in Nova Scotia under the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) (NS Conservation, Fall 1991). This p...

Antlers Provide Useful Informationby: Susan MaderManaging Nova Scotia's wildlife for the benefit of all Nova Scotians is the responsibility of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Informatio...

Bald Eagles: An Update on Population Statusby: Peter MacDonaldDuring the past three decades, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) surveys and annual Christmas bird counts in eastern Kings County ...

Catching Wildlife AliveWildlife can sometimes be a nuisance to people, especially if the wildlife is damaging property. Some people trap the wildlife themselves, but need the tools to do the job. ...

For the first time in 40 years, peregrine falcons have been discovered in Nova Scotia. Biologists conducting a Department of Natural Resources helicopter survey of potential habitats recently spot...

Moose Herd Perseveresby: Mark PulsiferWhen Europeans first settled Nova Scotia's coastline, moose were the largest member of the deer family. They shared the forests with one other deer species, t...

Wildlife Management's Eye in the Skyby: Mike O'Brien"Shubie Radio...Shubie Radio. This is Patrol 8 and we'll be conducting an eagle survey in the Musquodoboit Harbour to Ecum Secum area."...

Wildlife Management 101 By Alan Clark - Wildlife Section Chief of Wildlife Review Magazine Published in Utah DWR Magazine -- Wildlife Review: http://wildlife.utah.gov/ I've been a wildlife biologi...

Fawns-Bucks-DoesWhere does it all start? By: Todd BlackIn an article recently posted here on MonsterMuleys.com, Terry Messmer wrote an article titled "It All Starts With the Fawns". In t...

What have our highways done to our deer herds?By: Todd SullivanThe truck headlights illuminate another lifeless deer on the highway, only this one is more noticeable as the light reflects the mass...

A Question of Feeding DeerWhen we experience an especially harsh winter, many people worry about how deer are coping. From the warmth of our homes and the daily routine of feeding domestic stock a...

Frozen Rivers & Watchful Eyesby: Peter Austin-SmithIn the pre-dawn darkness of a mid-winter morning, only the sharp stinging wind gives to the snow covered land. Most life is hibernating or go...

Island Wildlife Management AreasThe Department of Lands and Forests, as part of its duties to conserve and protect wildlife, has begun a program of designating certain publicly owned coastal islan...

Eastern Shore Islands W.M.A.by: Fred PayneOff the coast of eastern Halifax county is a group of rock ledges, and partially treed or barren islands. Here in the cold and damp of spring, eider ducks...

On Drowningby: Alex CaronProbably by now you will all have heard about the Federal Provincial Committee for Humane Trapping, and know that it was set up mainly to find the most humane ways of trap...

Wood & Wildlife From Your Woodlotby: Fred PayneWildlife is a product of the land and reflects its true condition. As one biologist put it, "Let me suggest to you... that it is not possibl...

Endangered Wild Plants of N.S.by: Paul KeddyIMAGE: THREATENED PLANTS OF NOVA SCOTIA.The topic of "rare and endangered species" is receiving more and more publicity these days. Almost eve...

Collecting Animal Trapsby: Nova Scotia MuseumTracks may be collected using either the WAX or the PLASTER method. Experience is the best teacher in this but generally speaking wax is better in dry ...

Who Will Pay for Wildlife?by: Fred PayneSince highways, houses, industrial developments and shopping centres are continually reducing the habitats available to wildlife, we must produce more per u...

Bear Attacks in Nova Scotiaby: Ross HallIn the early morning hours of September 6, 1979, a 16-year-old boy near Belmont, Colchester County, struggled home with a severely lacerated left arm, he di...

Osprey Relocation 1979by: Glen Rhodenizer and P.J. Austin-SmithOspreys or fish hawks are large fish-eating birds that haunt the calm, summertime waters of coastal bays and inlets as well as food-r...

Dogs At Largeby: William Honachefsky"Six thirty, already?" Jim Johnson yawned disbelievingly into the predawn darkness and hit the off button of the alarm clock. He heard Duke, the Irish...

Enjoy Wildlife at a Distanceby: Nancy ChurchillCaptivity is sometimes tolerable, but it is seldom more desirable than freedom. This is true for man - it is also true for wild animals. Wild creatur...

How To Dress Your Deerby: Art PattonOnce you have found your deer and made sure it is dead, your next steps will determine, more than anything else, how good your venison will taste.The clue is to...

Mushrooms & Other Fungiby: Twila RobarIMAGE: Mushrooms & Other Fungi DiagramFor centuries fungi, or more specifically mushrooms, have been objects of mystery. They have become a traditiona...

Wildlife Protectionby: Tony DukeWhat does it take to protect an animal?A law written on a piece of paper make s it illegal to kill red-eyed vireos. Yet a bull dozer, legally pushing its way throug...

Is the Back Bear Declining?by: Art Patton Since the black bear was first recognized as a big game animal in Nova Scotia, one Big Game License has entitled its holder to hunt and kill unlimited num...

Ospreysby: Erick GreeneIt was a strange place to be bird watching. from my observation point on the end of a pier I had a good view of busy Halifax Harbour. boats of all sizes, from Cape Islanders...

Forest Management and Protection Requirementsby: Ed BailyOne of the most important issues facing our forest industry is a shortage of timber- a shortage resulting from a lack of money spent on for...

Return of the Peregrineby: Myrtle BatemanThe peregrine falcon has been the favourite of falconers for over 3000 years because of its speed, strength, and agility on the wing. During the Middle Age...

Nova Scotia's Provincial Parks in Winter By the time the ground is covered with a deep blanket of snow, our many parks have been put to bed till the next summer season. But park use need not stop ...

Coping with Deer in Gardensby: Ross HallThe obvious retort of many frustrated gardeners reading the title of this article will be "Shoot the damn things". Admit it, however, despite the ...

Nova Scotia and the U.S. National Birdby: Tony Duke"The good news is that more young are being raised in the nests that are still producing". These optimistic words come from Paul Nicker...

Bears and Humans Living Togetherby: Mark PulsiferFor many, spring is the time when we look forward to enjoying the outdoors while working, fishing, hiking or exploring. Our enjoyment is enhanced b...

Moose Herd Perseveresby: Mark PulsiferWhen Europeans first settled Nova Scotia's coastline, moose were the largest member of the deer family. They shared the forests with one other deer species, t...

Peregrine Falcons ReturnA peregrine falcon defends nest with two chicks. Photo: Mark ElderkinFor the first time in 40 years, peregrine falcons have been discovered in Nova Scotia. Biologists condu...

Catching Wildlife AliveWildlife can sometimes be a nuisance to people, especially if the wildlife is damaging property. Some people trap the wildlife themselves, but need the tools to do the job. ...

Wildfire Prevention in Nova Scotiaby: Dale E. GlennieNova Scotia's weather often causes drought conditions in mid to late summer, which means the province's forests can easily catch fire. Dry cond...

Marten Presence ConfirmedThe Previous issue of Conservation (Vol. 18, No. 4) contained an article on pine martens and their possible existence on Cape Breton Island. The article detailed an experi...

Preserving Wetlands for Future Useby: Terry PowerNova Scotia's first ever Conservation Easement Agreement (CEA) was signed on October 21, 1994 between Dexter and Vivian Sanford of Centreville, Kin...

Bald Eagles: An Update on Population Statusby: Peter MacDonaldDuring the past three decades, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) surveys and annual Christmas bird counts in eastern Kings County ...

Peregrine Falcon Recovery Under Wayby: Sherman Boates & Donald SamThe peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is one of four falcon species found in Nova Scotia. The American kestrel, the merlin, ...

Antlers Provide Useful Informationby: Susan MaderManaging Nova Scotia's wildlife for the benefit of all Nova Scotians is the responsibility of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Informatio...

Managing the Black Duckby: Randy MiltonThe American black duck is one of our most sought after waterfowl by hunter and non-hunter alike. It breeds in low densities throughout eastern North America...

Partnerships for Conservationby: Terry PowerIn 1991, a Wetlands Stewardship Project was initiated in Nova Scotia under the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) (NS Conservation, Fall 1991). This p...

Wood Turtles Face An Uncertain Futureby: John Gilhen, Tom Herman, and Neil MeisterWood Turtles live in streams, but they may be seen in meadows and hayfields as they search for food. Photo: DNRAll...

Building a Home for Kestrelsby: Ross HallNorth America's smallest and most common bird of prey is also the most handsome. Only 25 cm in length, the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is reddish-b...

Black Bear Management in Nova Scotiaby: Tony NetteThe black bear has inhabited Nova Scotia for thousand of years. It has been an important animal to the province's Mi'kmaq people for hundreds, per...

Flying Squirrels -- Elusive Forest Friendsby: Shawn GerrowMany people frequent the woods during the day, but few are there at night. If you quietly walk through an older forest after dark, you mig...

Dealing With Nuisance Bearsby: Mark PulsiferMany of Nova Scotia's rural and back country areas have experienced human population growth and increased accessibility. Potential conflicts between hum...

Wetland Management Plans for BowaterTwo years ago, the Province of Nova Scotia and Bowater-Mercey Paper Company Ltd. signed a memorandum of agreement. Nova Scotia is committed to wetland habitat p...

Belleisle Marsh Addresses Conflict Between Wildlife & Humansby: Reg MelansonIn response to declining waterfowl numbers, Canada and the United States signed the North American Waterfowl Managem...

Biodiversity: New Wildlife Conservationand Sustainable Use Initiatives.by: J Sherman BoatesOften, a new term describes something that is familiar but packaged in a new way. For example, the compac...

More Puffins?by: J. Sherman BoatesPromotional and tourist information about Nova Scotia is often decorated with the familiar image of the Atlantic puffin. This colourful seabird with its "clo...

Threatened Roseate Terns onBrothers Islands, Yarmouth Countyby: J. Sherman Boates, Gerald Dickie, Ted D'Eon, and Jack RyanDramatic declines in roseate terns has led to their designation as a "...

Upland Game Populations Rise in 1991by: Barry SabeanHarvest results of the 1991 upland game season were encouraging. Harvests of both ruffed grouse (partridge) and snowshoe hare (rabbits) were up ...

The Eastern Cougar in Nova Scotiaby: Mark PulsiferThe fate of the eastern cougar continues to be a matter or speculation.A few weeks ago I received an after-supper telephone call from a resident o...

The Common Loonby: Joe KerekesLoons have long been synonymous with the northern wilderness, often symbolizing the solitude we associate with the out-of-doors. Over the past decade the effects of a...

Dragonflies of Nova Scotiaby: Paul-Michael BrunelleWe hold few insects in high esteem. Butterflies are generally enjoyed, and beetles do not usually terrify; but generally "bugs" disquie...

Counting Shorebirds in the Bay of Fundyby: Kimberley Gilliland and Sherman BoatesMinas Basin and Shepody Bay in the upper Bay of Fundy have together been designated as one of only 12 Hemispheric S...

Share the Beachesby: Colin Stewart and Stephen FlemmingPiping plovers are an endangered shorebird. Endangered primarily because they breed on white sandy beaches. We don't know how many there used...

Deer Historyby: Art PattonThis early history of deer, summarized from Benson and Dodds "Deer of Nova Scotia", offers a pattern typical of successful introductions. They reported that dur...

Coyotes & Deerby: Barry SabeanA brand new predator has arrived in Nova Scotia and white-tailed deer are one of its' favourite foods. Coyotes were first verified as living in Nova Scotia when H...

Wetlands Habitat for Wildlife in Nova Scotiaby: Fred PayneIMAGE: Wetland Habitat (credit: dnr)The Province of Nova Scotia was the first public agency in eastern Canada to purchase wetlands specifi...

Trappers Helping with Conservation & Trapper Educationby: Roy A. Miles (CD)In times past, certain species of wildlife and their environment were in grave danger. The encroachment of settlement...

Where Have All The Frogs Gone?by: John GilhenWorking here at the Nova Scotia Museum I receive public inquiries every day. Over the past several years some inquiries have come from concerned adults...

Share the Beachesby: Colin Stewart and Stephen FlemmingPiping plovers are an endangered shorebird. Endangered primarily because they breed on white sandy beaches. We don't know how many there used...

Counting Shorebirds in the Bay of Fundyby: Kimberley Gilliland and Sherman BoatesMinas Basin and Shepody Bay in the upper Bay of Fundy have together been designated as one of only 12 Hemispheric S...

Dragonflies of Nova Scotiaby: Paul-Michael BrunelleWe hold few insects in high esteem. Butterflies are generally enjoyed, and beetles do not usually terrify; but generally "bugs" disquie...

The Common Loonby: Joe KerekesLoons have long been synonymous with the northern wilderness, often symbolizing the solitude we associate with the out-of-doors. Over the past decade the effects of a...

Wildlife Habitat CanadaHabitat retention, enhancement, restoration and acquisition is the primary function of Wildlife Habitat Canada, a national, non-profit charitable foundation. The independent...

Endangered Speciesby: Tony DukeSpider plants are popular house plants with long spidery stems and long spidery leaves. However, it's an endangered species in my house and there was a time when I w...

Wildlife Habitat Protectionby: Ellinor WilliamsFor a long time hunters and fishermen have been concerned with the conservation of wildlife. Now they are being joined by more and more city dwellers...

The Importance of WildlifeA 1981 federal/provincial survey on the value attached to wildlife by Canadians demonstrates just how important natural flora and fauna really are to Nova Scotians. In 19...

The Gypsy Mothby: Dr. T.D. SmithThe gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (Linn.) was introduced to Massachusetts from Europe in 1869 to part of a silk-making experiment. Some of the larvae escaped and the ...