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Outdoors

Wildfires affect wildlife in a number of different ways

Spring is a tenuous time for wildlife. Young are being born and trying to survive predators, nature and even humans. New growth vegetation is emerging while also battling temperatures, drought, and potential disease. One tip of the scale, one way or the other, can completely change a local ecosystem. So what about wildfires? Unfortunately much of the Commonwealth is experiencing a dry spring. A recent announcement by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources warned that, with the exception of the Northwest, all of Pennsylvania is at high risk for wildfires. That ...

What can we do to help counter the bird decline?

This year’s state of the birds report reveals that the major declines in bird populations reported by Science Journal in 2019 are unfortunately continuing. The 2019 article stated the staggering population loss of 2.9 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada since 1970. Most, though not all, ...

Reflections in Nature: Acorns provide wildlife with best, most reliable food

During the spring months, the Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to spray over 38,000 acres of state game land to reduce the damage done by the spongy moth to protect wildlife habitat. Spraying will begin as soon as leaf-out occurs and spongy moth egg masses hatch. No spraying will be scheduled the mornings of youth turkey season (April 26) or on the opening day of spring gobbler season (May 3). Oak trees — which are the main target of spongy moths — provide acorns, the best and most reliable wildlife food. A loss of acorns can have extremely detrimental impacts on wildlife ...

Community Outdoors calendar for week of April 29

EARTH DAY AT MILL COVE ENVIRONMENTAL AREA WHERE: Mill Cove Environmental Area (2317 Mill Creek Road, Tioga) WHEN: Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. NOTES: Join an Earth Day celebration in the outdoors on Saturday, May 3 at Mill Cove Environmental Area. The event will feature an interactive environmental outdoor recreational experience and has music beginning at 2 p.m. The event is scheduled rain or shine. For more information, visit www.millcoveinc.org. AUDUBON EVENT: MOSQUITO VALLEY WHERE: Water Authority’s visitor parking lot on Mosquito Valley Road WHEN: ...

Cicada Brood XIV, first recorded by the Pilgrims, is emerging once again

Cicada Brood XIV, first recorded by the Pilgrims, is emerging once again The first insects in what will become a massive, 13-state swarm of cicadas has begun emerging in the South, a biological marvel that will begin slowly making its way north as temperatures rise, bringing with it millions ...

Plenty of large bears were harvested in Pennsylvania in 2024

HARRISBURG — They don’t grow them this big everywhere, but Pennsylvania has its share of giant bears. Released by the Game Commission, the 2024 bear harvest totals prove that yet again. Consider the Venango County bear Heath Bromley, of Titusville, got with a crossbow in October. It weighed in at 597 pounds – a tremendous bear any hunter would be happy to take. And yet, it was just the 10th heaviest harvested by a Pennsylvania hunter in the 2024 seasons. The harvest’s nine bigger bears all topped 600 pounds, with three of them exceeding 700 pounds. Scott Price, of Madison ...