WILDNEWJERSEY.TV

DEP News Release: Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy Approved

2010-03-18T20:10:00Z

Two bears were killed during a hunt in 2005 in Sussex County. The first black bear hunt in five years
was approved yesterday by Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin.
Photo credit: Star-Ledger

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Bob Martin yesterday approved the New Jersey Fish and Game Council's 2010 Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy.

"The Council incorporated the latest research and science into its proposed black bear management policy that shows the population is sustainable and growing," Acting Commissioner Martin said. "This growth coincides with an increase in serious bear incidents supporting the need for population control in addition to continued nonlethal management tools including public education and outreach."

Click here to continue reading this news release.

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Wild New Jersey Exclusive: Searching for Spring Peepers in the Dismal Swamp

2010-03-18T16:00:00Z

Wood Frog

WildNewJersey.tv's David Wheeler, Dana Patterson, Jill Weislo, and Krysti Sabins set out yesterday in the Dismal Swamp to look for Spring Peepers, whose choruses have echoed around the Triple C Ranch since the night of March 11. Although the search for seeing a Spring Peeper was unsuccessful, there was still much to see and hear around the vernal pools. With only one scoop of his net, Wheeler was able to catch a mud snail, freshwater shrimp, and freshwater clam. Bullfrogs and Spring Peepers were all singing away until we tried to find them - and they grew silent.

Click here to continue reading this exclusive and see more pictures.

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Jill's Pick from Around the World: Rare rhino pregnancy fuels hope for endangered species

2010-03-18T15:00:00Z

A Cedar Waxwing flies over the meadow

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Wild New Jersey would like to share some of our favorite green pictures from The Dismal Swamp. Enjoy!

Click here to see more photos.

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Duke Farms: Live Eagle Cam is Back on for 2010

2010-03-17T17:56:00Z

Press of Atlantic City: New Jersey birds vulnerable to climate change, federal report says

2010-03-17T15:00:00Z

Wild New Jersey Exclusive: Salamanders kickoff migration season in East Brunswick

2010-03-17T11:00:00Z

Spotted salamander
All photos by David Wheeler and Kayla Halsted

The annual migration of amphibians across the roads of New Jersey has begun. The torrential rains of this past weekend kicked off the quests of salamanders and frogs, which leave their winter burrows each year in search of vernal ponds where they can mate and lay eggs safe from fish and other predators.

The East Brunswick Environmental Commission has hosted a public event each spring for the past decade along Beekman Road, which is closed to the public for a handful of nights to allow the amphibians to cross safely. Wild New Jersey's David Wheeler and Kayla Halsted visited the road on the weekend's opening night and were excited to find a number of spotted salamanders and a spring peeper.

Click here to continue reading this exclusive.

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DailyRecord.com: Save-the-bears group suing NJ wildlife council

2010-03-16T18:00:00Z

Photo credit: NJ Fish and Wildlife

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds residents that with the onset of spring, black bears are emerging from their winter dens and actively searching for food. Residents living in areas frequented by black bears should take steps to avoid attracting bears with birdfeed, garbage or other foods. This is the best way to prevent black bears from becoming a nuisance near your home.

Black bears learn very quickly and bears that are fed intentionally or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or garbage will associate people with food. Bears will eat almost anything including human food, garbage, pet food, birdseed and small livestock. Once they find an easily accessible food source, like garbage in a housing development, they will lose their wariness of people and may return to the available food source. One person feeding bears can create a problem bear that may affect the entire neighborhood.

Click here to continue reading.

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The Associated Press: Continental flight strikes birds, is forced to return to Newark airport

2010-03-14T11:00:00Z

NJ Audubon: Kids Can Be Green at the Nature Center of Cape May - Saturday, March 20th

2010-03-13T11:00:00Z

The 'Wild and Scenic' Maurice River.
All photos courtesy of David Wheeler, Edison Wetlands Association

Captain Githens' Birding by Boat tours are back again this year. Starting March 13 through April 18 join Captain Githens and his crew aboard the OSPREY as they explore the Maurice River. The river is designated as 'Wild & Scenic' by the National Park Service and a well documented wintering ground for bald eagles, birds of prey, and waterfowl. You will be exploring the upper tidal area from Millville to Mauricetown in Cumberland County. With headwaters in the New Jersey Pinelands, this national treasure is best experienced by boat.

For more information on these ecotours, visit www.birdingbyboat.com.

Wild New Jersey's David Wheeler joined the Captain Githens and other passengers last year on this exciting boat tour. Click here to see exclusive picture previews.

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