Forest Wildlife

As summer yields to fall, deciduous trees throughout the mid-Atlantic states lose their leaves in an often-spectacular display of color. However, not all hardwood trees participate in this pageantry, and decide to hang onto their leaves until spring. This is called "marcescence." Why it occurs is another question.

Read our "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," and take the Brain Tickler challenge. There's also an introduction to two new members of the Woodland Stewardship Education program team, and an announcement about the fall 2018 Maryland Woodland Stewards workshop.

Read the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," a new invasive insect you should know called Spotted Lanternfly, and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Maryland is home to four members of the weasel family: mink, river otters, long-tailed weasels, and fishers. In the state, fishers are second only in size to river otters, but they occupy a distinctly different ecological niche. Of these four species, the fisher is perhaps the most elusive, due in part to its mostly nocturnal behavior, but once you have seen one, you won’t confuse it with another species.

Once you’ve heard the call of the Chuck-will’s-widow, chances are you won’t easily forget it. This vocal bird has been observed, or heard, throughout Maryland except for in Carroll County.

Maryland is home to two members of the skunk family. The striped skunk is found throughout the state. The striped skunk is actually a very successful species, with a range that occupies a large portion of North America. While the mammals have adapted to a wide range of environments, they prefer habitat with a variety of woodlands and open fields, and with a water supply within 2 miles of their home range.

The News and Notes roundup for this issue features more kudos for Maryland Forest Service Project Manager Mike Kay, a study about the importance of community forests, news about bats, and an invitation to list your green industry business in a new Extension directory.

The sharp-shinned hawk is unlike many of the raptors that make a home in Maryland. Some migrate to warmer habitats; others will remain year round. The sharp-shinned hawk, apparently, does both.

These resources provide information about managing wildlife damage caused by deer and by voles.

The striped skunk is found throughout Maryland and is actually a very successful species, with a range that occupies a large portion of North America. They prefer habitat with a variety of woodlands and open fields, which means they can also be found in both rural and suburban settings.