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MassWildlife

@mass.wildlife

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Responsible for the conservation and management of fish and wildlife in Massachusetts for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

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To prepare for the winter, black bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, which is when an animal greatly increases their daily food and calorie intake to build up their fat reserves. To put it simply, black bears get the munchies! Bears will rely on these fat reserves when they den for about 5 months this winter where they won’t eat, drink, or even go to the bathroom.

Black bears can build up the fat reserves they need by eating the plentiful natural foods available to them. They do not need handouts from people. Do your part in coexisting with black bears by making sure your property isn’t an all-you-can-eat bear buffet.

You can help keep bears wild:
🔸Never intentionally feed bears and other wildlife
🔸Remove or secure all human-associated food sources, including bird seed, trash, compost, and other attractants
🔸Protect chickens and small livestock from bears with effective and maintained electric fencing

Learn more about living with black bears at mass.gov/bears. by @mass.wildlife

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2 hours ago

In September, Ernie Foster received the prestigious Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award for his lifelong dedication to hunting, fishing, conservation, and connecting the next generation to the outdoors.

Learn more about the award and Foster's commitment to conservation in Massachusetts at the link in bio or at mass.gov/news/ernie-foster-receives-conservation-award by @mass.wildlife

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2 days ago

Looking for something to do this weekend? Go fish!

Find a new fishing spot at mass.gov/gofishma or see where we have stocked trout this fall at mass.gov/trout by @mass.wildlife

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6 days ago

🍂Are you planning on cleaning up your yard this weekend? Follow these wildlife-friendly fall clean up tips to support your local animals and pollinators for the cold winter 👉 bit.ly/WildlifeCleanUp 🍁 salamander on fallen leaf. Text reads "Wildlife-friendly clean up tips" by @mass.wildlife

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7 days ago

Join MassWildlife experts for a walk through a remarkable place that provides critical habitat for wildlife, including more than 20 species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Discover how more than a decade of successful habitat restoration has transformed the area and hear about the management activities planned there for this winter.

Participants should be prepared for a ~2.5 mile walk and dress for the weather and walking on uneven ground.

Register at bit.ly/woodlands-for-wildlife Flyer advertising a habitat walk. by @mass.wildlife

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8 days ago

Join MassWildlife and @massaudubon for a presentation to explore the natural history and unique ecology of Massachusetts’ Coastal Plain Ponds. Learn about the threats facing these special habitats and discover practical management and conservation options. The discussion will highlight the important role private landowners can play in protecting and restoring Coastal Plain Ponds for future generations.

October 7: In-person at the Plymouth Public Library from 2–4 p.m.
October 13: Virtual presentation from 6–8 p.m.

Register at mass.gov/dfw/cpp Flyer advertising a presentation on coastal plain ponds. by @mass.wildlife

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9 days ago

We hope hunters have a safe and successful archery deer season! Archery deer season is October 5 – November 28, but archery equipment can be used during all deer hunting seasons.

For a quick reference on deer hunting regulations, visit mass.gov/info-details/deer-hunting-regulations Photo with text to promote the opening of archery deer season. Photo features a female archer in a tree stand. Text on image reads “Archery deer season 2026, October 5 – November 28, *Archery equipment may be used during all deer hunting seasons.” by @mass.wildlife

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10 days ago

Wishing good luck to everyone participating in the 2026 Youth Deer Hunt today (10/2) and tomorrow (10/3)!

Had a great youth deer hunt? Share your photos with us in the comments! Deer graphic. Text on graphic "Wishing good luck to everyone participating in the 2026 Youth Deer Hunt today (10/2) and tomorrow (10/3)! " by @mass.wildlife

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13 days ago

You don’t have to go searching at the bottom of the pond for the latest news about wildlife, fishing, hunting, endangered species, and upcoming events, you can just sign up for our eNewsletter! Subscribe at mass.gov/dfw/newsletter

Image credit: Jeffrey M. Padell Bird diving underwater by @mass.wildlife

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14 days ago

Join MassWildlife and DCR to learn about pine barrens and buck moths!

During this walk, participants will explore the pine barrens at the Myles Standish Complex while learning about buck moths and other Species of Greatest Conservation Need that depend on pine barrens with open tree canopy maintained by fire or other disturbance.

Participants should be prepared for a ~1.5 mile walk and dress for the weather and walking on uneven ground. Register at bit.ly/barrens-buck-moths-2026 Flyer advertising a habitat walk. by @mass.wildlife

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16 days ago

2026 fall trout stocking has begun! We are stocking over 70,000 trout across Massachusetts this fall.

Go to mass.gov/trout to see daily trout stocking updates. Trout with talk bubbles that read “Fall trout stocking has started! Get Daily stocking updates at mass.gov/trout” by @mass.wildlife

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17 days ago

We don’t have to wait until November to be thankful on a Thursday! Today we are expressing our gratitude for the hard work of Cindy S., Dick C. and Dan G. who work closely with MassWildlife to protect Northern red-bellied cooter nests on their properties.

Their commitment to this species has directly supported the red-bellied cooter headstart program which is credited with stabilizing populations of this state and federally endangered species.

Thank you Cindy, Dick, and Dan! by @mass.wildlife

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21 days ago