Pages Tagged With: "wildlife"
Delaware Hawk Watch
Hawk watch stations are critical in understanding long-term population trends of migratory raptors throughout the country. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife partners with the Delaware Ornithological Society, the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation and the Delaware Nature Society to operate two hawk watch stations in the state of Delaware.American Barn Owl Monitoring and Management
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife works with public and private landowners to study and conserve Delaware’s population of American Barn Owls.Contact Us
Jordan Brown Raptor, Grassland and Forest Bird Biologist 302-255-1960
Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Delaware is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), an agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in member states. This means that illegal activities in one state can affect a person’s hunting or fishing privileges in all participating states.Operation Game Theft Report Form
Use this form to report wildlife crime through DNREC’s Operation Game Theft. Information supplied in this form is strictly confidential and will not be released to the public. Use this form to report a crime that is not in progress. If you need to report a wildlife crimeOperation Game Theft
The Operation Game Theft Fund was established by the Delaware General Assembly to assist in the apprehension and conviction of game law violators. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of violators.Natural Resources Police Fish and Wildlife Unit
The Fish and Wildlife Unit protects wildlife and fisheries resources, promotes boating education and safety, promotes ethical hunting and fishing and responds to boating emergencies. The unit is also a partner in Delaware’s Homeland Security maritime mission.Hunting, Fishing and Boating Violations
Preserving All the Wonder of Wildlife for Years to Come: How the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan Helps Protect Thousands of Species
Delaware is home to more than 2,800 known animal species. Many are doing just fine or even thriving, but some are experiencing harder times. About 700 of these animals, as well as some 300 plant species, are included in Delaware’s draft 2025-2035 Wildlife Action Plan as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Learn more about how the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control uses the plan to preserve our flora and fauna, including 90 animal species designated as endangered, in this offering from Outdoor Delaware.Public Hearing: Delaware Wildlife Regulations
The DNEC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to the state’s Wildlife regulations.Wildlife Action Plan Comment Form
Please use the form below to share your comments with the DNREC team working on the latest revision of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan and the Wildlife Action Plan Database. Please review the draft Wildlife Action Plan including the data behind the plan and the functionality of the new interface. If youWilmington Falcon Fledge Watch Volunteers
The Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch relies on community scientist volunteers who dedicate time each year to monitor young Peregrine falcons leaving their nest site – a nest box on the 19th floor of the Brandywine Building in Wilmington.Contact Us
Peregrine Falcon Monitoring and Management
The DNREC Division of Fish and wildlife works with volunteers and other partners to monitor and study Peregrine falcons.Contact Us
Jordan Brown Raptor, Grassland and Forest Bird Biologist 302-255-1960
When Wildlife Cause Problems
Delaware is home to diverse and vibrant communities of fish and wildlife. Thousands of visitors are drawn to Delaware for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography. As Delaware expands its urban and suburban centers, and the population grows, there is an increase in human-wildlife contact and, sometimes, conflict. The idea of “nuisance wildlife” has becomePrivate Lands Assistance
Delaware is a biologically diverse state with hardwood forests, swamps and coastal marshes that support over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Despite significant strides in conservation, much of the wildlife habitat in Delaware remains isolated, degraded and unprotected as more land is converted to urban, commercial and industrial uses.Spring Turkey Season Hunting Permit Lottery
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts an annual lottery to issue permits to allow hunters to hunt turkeys on state wildlife areas during the spring wild turkey hunting season, which runs from April 12 to May 10 in 2025. These permits allow a hunter to harvest a wildAvian Influenza and Wildlife
Avian influenza, also known as “bird flu,” is a term for a group of influenza strains that occur naturally in wild aquatic birds and that may spread to other bird and animal species, including domestic poultry. It is a serious disease concern for poultry producers and animal health officials. [column md=”5″ xclass=”col-xs-12The Perils of Wild Pets: DNREC Warns Against Keeping Non-Domesticated Animals
Around two-thirds of American households have pets, mostly dogs or cats, and many consider them just as much a part of the family as human members. But for a few people, even some of the more unique animals sometimes owned as pets like snakes, parakeets and hamsters aren’t enough — they want to keep wildlife. Find out why animal experts say it’s generally bad to take in wild animals in this offering from Outdoor Delaware.Wild Turkey Surveys
Since 2010, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has used an annual, volunteer-based survey to record observations of wild turkeys across the state during the months of July and August. The survey generates an index of annual turkey productivity and recruitment (the ratio of young birds to adult females). The surveyAquatic Resources Education Center
The Aquatic Resources Education Center, operated by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, focuses on wetlands, fishing and other aquatic education themes.Contact Us
Taylor Border Aquatic Education Programs Manager 2520 Lighthouse Road Smyrna, DE 19977 302-735-8689
Trapping and Furbearers
Technically, furbearers include all mammals that “bear fur.” However, furbearers have traditionally been classified as mammals that are trapped or hunted primarily for their economic value – their fur. Like many other species, furbearers must be managed in a sustainable and ecologically sound manner to ensure healthy populations throughout Delaware. [column md=”5″Delaware Wildlife Action Plan
After over eight years of implementing the 2015 Delaware Wildlife Action Plan, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is nearing the end of a multi-year comprehensive review and revision of the plan to ensure the next iteration of the document remains up to date with the best available science and continues to serve theDivision of Fish and Wildlife
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on approximately 68,000 acres of public land. The division oversees wildlife resource conservation and control of mosquito populations and offers hunter, boating and aquatic education programs. It provides licensesAmerican Oystercatchers
American oystercatchers are black and white shorebirds with bright orange beaks that feed and nest on the beach. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the population and productivity of American oystercatchers in Delaware. An American oystercatcher incubating a nest. (Photo: Henrietta Bellman) These birds begin arriving in Delaware in March, startLeast Terns
Least terns are the smallest species of tern in North America, with an orange-yellow beak and mask-like black markings on the head. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the population and productivity of least terns in Delaware. A male and female least tern conducting a courtship ritual. The male presents the female withBeach-Nesting Birds
Dwindling shorebird populations have landed several species on Delaware’s Endangered Species List. The DNREC Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the endangered breeding shorebirds, provides habitat protection, and provides information to the public about beach-nesting species. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program primarily focuses on three species — Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers and LeastMosquito Control
DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section provides mosquito control services throughout Delaware to maintain quality of life and protect public health by reducing the possibility of mosquito-borne illnesses. For help with nuisance mosquitoes where you live, call one of our field offices: The Northern Delaware Office, 302-836-2555, serving New Castle CountyExploring Delaware’s Open Spaces
Take a journey with us as we explore some of the unique properties acquired through the Delaware Open Space Program administered by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation and the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife.Drawn to Herons: An Illustrated Story
Join DNREC designer Christy Shaffer as she takes us on an illustrated journey to discover the beauty of herons found in Delaware.Wildlife Viewing in Delaware’s State Wildlife Areas
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands, including elevated wildlife-viewing structures on several state wildlife areas managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Wildlife Area Maps [button type=”primary” block=”true”Delaware Whitetail Deer Records
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains records of the top hunter-taken whitetail deer in Delaware, using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. The records include whitetails taken in any year. State Deer Rankings All-Time Typical Whitetail Deer Non-TypicalSharks in Delaware Waters
If you’re swimming in Delaware waters, particularly in the ocean, you’re probably swimming near sharks. But they actually have more to fear from us than the other way around.Deer Stands or Ground Blinds on State Wildlife Areas
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife requires hunters to register temporary deer stands or ground blinds they place on state wildlife areas.Contact Us
DNREC Wildlife Section 302-739-9912
Delaware Hunters Against Hunger
Delaware’s deer hunters share part of their harvest each year with Delawareans in need. They provide thousands of pounds of venison through the Delaware Hunters Against Hunger program. Delivering boxes of venison to a food distribution hub. All donated deer are processed into ground venison, free of charge. TheWildlife Mortality Survey
If you see sick wildlife, or dead wildlife where it looks like the cause of death is an illness, please report it to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. If you see five or more sick or dead wild animals at the same location, please also call division staff at 302-735-3600Reporting Sick or Dead Wildlife
Wildlife disease surveillance, prevention, and control are crucial factors for safeguarding Delaware’s citizens, wildlife, pets, and livestock. Citizen reports help state biologists monitor wildlife populations in Delaware. IfVolunteer With the Piping Plover Program
To ensure continued breeding success, the DNREC Piping Plover Program depends on volunteers to help inform the public about the breeding progress of the plovers and the importance of staying out of closed areas.Contact Us
Kat Christie Coastal Waterbird Biologist deshorebirds@delaware.gov 302-255-1965
