From time to time, as part of a team-building effort — or something like that — those of us involved with outdoor and feature coverage at the BDN head afield for an adventure. For instance, last summer my new boss and I went out looking for moose. Just a couple of months ago, our whole team took a 200-yard hike to the Penobscot River and watched seals. Last week, I decided to stage an impromptu fly casting clinic for two staffers who’d never tried the sport before. I know, I know: Although an avid fly fisher, I’m not really an expert. Still, I reasoned, I must have learned enough over the years to offer up an introductory-level class for some colleagues. I’ll leave that verdict to them. All I can say is nobody drowned, nobody bled and only one co-worker ended up wading in deeper than she’d have liked. That, I figure, is a small success. And you can read all about it this weekend.
— John Holyoke
Harmful caterpillar abundant, Maine Forest Service warns
The browntail moth caterpillar, an invasive species that has proven harmful to humans, has a higher population than usual in Maine this spring, and the Maine Forest Service is warning residents to stay clear of them.
The microscopic hairs on the caterpillars can cause “a blistery, oozy rash and respiratory distress,” according to a recent press release issued by the Maine Forest Service.
Hot turkey: Late-season efforts may require new tactics
Kendall Marden, a wildlife biologist for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, said late-season hunters may face several challenges and may benefit from a few tactical changes.
Marden said that while turkeys might have responded well to calling earlier in the month, they sometimes become accustomed to calling and clam up in the latter weeks.
“One of the things I would offer as a tip is to call differently,” Marden said. “Be more patient. Don’t be quite so aggressive, unless the situation calls for it. If you elicit a response of continuous gobbling, it’s OK. But certainly they’ve been called to a fair amount, so oftentimes just calling and then sitting silent for a long period of time and just waiting [can pay off]. A lot of those late-season birds aren’t going to gobble very much and are going to sneak in silently.”
Cure for white-nose syndrome in bats may be imminent
A group of biologists and local residents gathered outside the Mark Twain Cave Complex in Missouri on May 19 to watch the release of 150 special bats. The bats were some of the first to be successfully treated for white-nose syndrome, a fatal disease that has wiped out millions of bats in the eastern half of the United States and Canada since it first appeared about a decade ago.
The treatment, based on the common bacterium Rhodococcus rhodochrous, was developed by Dr. Christopher Cornelison and several fellow researchers and students at Georgia State University.
Blog log
Act Out with Aislinn: 1-minute hike: Little Long Pond Trails on Mount Desert Island
Little Long Pond and 1,000 acres surrounding it has a rich history of public recreation. Home to an extensive network of carriage roads and hiking trails, the property lies between Northwest Harbor and Southwest Harbor and abuts Acadia National Park and the Thuya Garden.
As cold-water rescues pile up, caution urged
When the sun is blazing and the mercury starts to soar, it’s hard to focus on the fact that the water you’re floating on can be deadly cold. But it is, Maine game warden Jim Fahey said — especially if you spend an extended period of time in the water.
“I spoke to a firefighter at Pushaw Lake, [the site of another incident], and he said the water was in the high 50s,” Fahey said. “When people have a swimming pool, if it’s not 75 degrees, they don’t go in.”
On the horizon
Coming up, Aislinn will be telling the story of two volunteers in Orono who’ve made a big impact on area trails and forest management. She also plans to attend and write about an important “beetle battle” taking place in southern Maine.
In addition, John will share some thoughts on fly-casting for beginners and hopes to tell you about some local pupils who are getting a first-hand look at Atlantic salmon conservation.
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