Got Nature? Blog

Beauty is not necessarily an overriding virtue for the winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus). Also called winged euonymus or simply burning bush, it has gorgeous red fall color and has been a popular choice for landscapes since the late 1800s. However, we’ve known since the 1970s that this beautiful plant has demonstrated invasiveness in natural areas.

Purdue experts authored an Extension publication entitled “Invasive Plant Series: Winged Burning Bush.” Much of this article will highlight excerpts from the publication.

“Winged burning bush can tolerate a wide range of sites and soil conditions,” they said. “It grows in full sun and tolerates full shade under a forest canopy.” Its fruits are eaten by birds and dispersed elsewhere, such as from landscapes to neighboring natural areas. It can form dense undergrowth in woodlands.
As the name implies, twigs and branches of this shrub have corky ridges or “wings.” Leaves are arranged oppositely on twigs, from ¾ to 2 inches long, and tapering at each end. “Leaves turn a vibrant red in autumn for plants in full sunlight but may be shades of magenta or pink in shaded areas,” they said. A single plant can produce fertile seed.

Besides this invasive plant, Indiana has three native euonymus species that could be confused with their invasive relative. The most common is eastern burning bush or wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), which is a large shrub to the size of a small tree. Running euonymus or running strawberry bush (Euonymus obovatus) is a perennial groundcover that may only get from one foot to a few feet tall. Strawberry bush or brook euonymus (Euonymus americanus) is a small shrub found primarily in southern Indiana.

“The ability of winged burning bush to spread via seeds dispersed by birds, survive and produce seed in shaded environments, and gradually increase density and distribution in forests presents a threat to the native diversity and productivity of natural habitats in Indiana,” they said. “Besides seed production, winged burning bush stands can increase in density by layering, where a branch comes in contact with the soil and roots.” They said research has shown that high deer population levels promote the establishment and spread of some invasive plant species, including winged burning bush. Deer preferentially browse on desirable native plants while avoiding winged burning bush.

The authors urge prevention as the first step in preventing the spread of burning bush. This strategy is simple: don’t plant burning bush.

The authors discuss various control methods for burning bush in natural areas, including manual and mechanical methods, prescribed fire, and chemical controls. See the publication for details. Find it at the Purdue Education Store.

If you have burning bush in your landscape, please consider removing it and replacing it with a native alternative, like wahoo (previously mentioned), chokeberry, common ninebark, American cranberry bush viburnum, fragrant sumac, or winterberry. Research your potential replacement to ensure it is suited to your landscape location (size, site conditions, etc.).

Resources
Invasive Plant Series: Winged Burning Bush, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources
Invasive Plant Swap, Tippecanoe County Soil & Water Conservation District & Tippecanoe Invasive Cooperative Taskforce
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Agriculture & Indiana Invasive Species Council
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (Report Invasives)
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Burning Bush Video, video, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
What Nurseries Need to Know About the Invasive Species Regulation, The Education Store
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
Invasive Plant Species: Oriental Bittersweet, The Education Store
Invasive Plant Species: Callery Pear, The Education Store
Invasive Plant Species: Wintercreeper, The Education Store
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel for videos on forestry, urban forestry, wildlife, aquaculture, fisheries, conservation, natural resource management and wood products.

John E. Woodmansee, Lead Regional Educator
Purdue Agriculture and Natural Resources

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: If it’s been a while since you’ve been in the woods, this fall is the perfect time to pick your bow back up or start bow hunting for the very first time.

• Fall turkey archery season: Oct. 1 – Nov. 1, 2026 / Dec. 5, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
• Deer archery season: Oct. 1, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

If you’re gearing up for firearms season, fall turkey firearms season opens Oct. 21, and deer firearms season begins Nov. 14.

• Fall turkey firearms season: Oct. 21 – Nov. 1, 2026 (select counties)
• Deer firearms season: Nov. 14 – 29, 2026

The bag limit each fall is one turkey of either sex per hunter. Deer season bag limits can be found in the current Hunting & Trapping Guide. You can easily check in all harvested game with the CheckIN Game button on GoOutdoorsIN.com or the mobile app.

Hunting Safety Tips and Reminders
Indiana DNR reminds you to stay safe this deer season. Hunting injuries most commonly involve elevated platforms and tree stands, so stay safe by following the guidelines below.

Tree stand safety before the hunt:

• Read, understand, and follow the tree stand manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check tree stands and equipment for wear, fatigue, rust, and cracks or loose nuts/bolts, paying particularly close attention to parts made of material other than metal.
• Practice at ground level with a responsible adult. If you need to sight in your equipment, find a shooting range near you.
• Learn how to properly wear your full-body safety harness.
• Make a hunt plan and share it with someone before your hunt.
• Wear your full-body safety harness.
• Use a tree stand safety rope.
• Make certain to attach your harness to the tree or tree stand safety rope before leaving the ground and check that it remains attached to the tree or tree stand safety rope until you return to the ground.
• Maintain three points of contact during ascent and descent.
• Wear boots with nonslip soles.
• Use a haul line to raise and lower firearms, bows, and other hunting gear.
• Make sure firearms are unloaded, action is open, and safety is on before attaching them to the haul line.

General reminders:

• Hunter Orange – know when to wear it and how much is needed on a ground blind
  • Hunter orange is required for all deer hunters during youth, firearms, and muzzleloader season. Hunter orange must be worn at all times during the hunt, including walking to and from the hunting location. Regardless of hunting equipment being used (archery, crossbow or firearm), if it is firearms season, you are required to wear hunter orange.
  • A ground blind must have at least 144 square inches of hunter orange material that is visible from any direction during any season in which a hunter is already required to wear hunter orange.
• Firearm Safety – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Print and complete a Landowner Permission Form if hunting on private land that isn’t your own.
• Remember to complete and attach a deer transportation tag immediately upon taking a deer. The tag should be attached to the deer during transportation and any time the deer is unattended.

Always bring emergency equipment with you on your hunt, such as a cellphone, flashlight, small first aid kit and extra water.

Read more about the guidelines and property rules here: Fish & Wildlife Properties.

Resources:
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Deer Reductions Zones, Division of Fish and Wildlife, IDNR
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 2, Hanging & Skinning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 3, Deboning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 4, Cutting, Grinding & Packaging, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, The Education Store
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
New Deer Impact Toolbox, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension-FNR

Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: Do you have bats roosting on your property? Help DNR by counting how many bats fly out during a few evenings this summer. A new DNR tool allows individuals with bats roosting on their property (or a property where they have access) to report the roost to DNR mammalogists.

This data allows biologists to learn how and where bats and humans coexist. Over time, the data will contribute to a map of these locations. The information will also guide outreach efforts and allow DNR biologists to contact property owners who submit reports for additional survey opportunities.

Data collection projects and many of the outreach and conservation efforts that result from them are made possible largely thanks to donations to the Nongame Wildlife Fund.

For more information please visit Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project.

To subscribe to the newsletter visit: DNR: Communications: MyDNR Email Newsletter (in.gov)

Resources:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) Highlights: Bats, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Bats in the Belfry, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Ask An Expert: Bats on the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE), Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Facebook
Bats in Indiana, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Bat Houses, Bat Conservation International
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE): Indiana Forestry and Wildlife, The Education Store
Unexpected Plants and Animals of Indiana: Indiana Bats, Purdue College of Agriculture News
Selecting a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
FAQs – How can I get rid of nuisance wildlife (bats, deer, racoons, etc.)?
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish & Wildlife

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: DNR needs your help monitoring the wild turkey population. Participate in the Turkey brood count this summer by reporting turkey hens with poults (broods) and hens without poults. Report your 2026 observations online from July 1 until Aug. 31.

Poults began hatching in May and will continue to hatch over the next several months throughout Indiana. Reporting observations takes only a few minutes, and no login is required.

Brood reports have been collected since 1993 to calculate the annual Wild Turkey Production Index, which informs biologists about population status and guides wildlife management for the species.

Can we top last year’s count? In 2025, DNR received more than 2,500 reports across all 92 counties, and we are hoping for even more this year. We appreciate your help.

Why count turkeys?
Brood surveys provide useful estimates about annual production by wild turkey hens and the survival of poults (young turkeys) through the summer brood-rearing period. Summer brood survival is generally the primary factor influencing wild turkey population trends. Information on summer brood survival is essential for sound turkey management. Information gathered through the brood survey includes:

• Average brood sizes (hens + poults). For example, in the photo above there is one hen with seven poults, for a brood size of eight.
• Percentage of adult hens with poults.
• Production Index (PI) = total number of poults/total number of adult hens

What is a wild turkey brood?
A wild turkey brood is composed of at least one adult hen with young (poults). As the summer progresses, multiple broods may gather into what is termed a “gang” brood with several adult hens and multiple broods of poults of varied ages. During summer, adult gobblers (male turkeys) play no role in raising a brood and either form small male only “bachelor” flocks or are observed as a single gobbler.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Department of Fish and Wildlife rely on your observations to calculate their Production Index, so every report counts! Indiana DNR appreciates your participation.

Jarred Brooke, extension wildlife specialist with Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources, shares how you can participate in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ annual turkey brood survey in a quick video.

 

To learn more, visit DNR: Turkey Brood Reporting.

To subscribe to the newsletter visit MyDNR Email Newsletter.

Resources:
Truths and Myths about Wild Turkey, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Wildlife, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Need help with pond or wildlife management?, Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Turkey Brood Reporting, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Wild Turkey, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Wild Turkey Hunting Biology and Management, Indian Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Entomology Weekly Review: Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Extension would like to share a timely update from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Division of Entomology newsletter regarding a wood-boring insect that may be encountered in hardwood logs across the state. Will Drews, Entomology staff member located in south-central Indiana (Bloomington area), recently reported activity from one of the more common round-headed borer pests found in hardwood logs: the flat-faced longhorn beetle, Graphisurus fasciatus. Will shares in the Entomology Weekly Review how to identify the borer, their habitat and if we need to be concerned.

What to Look For
On the wing recently is one of the more common round-headed borer pests I find in hardwood logs, and that is the flat-faced longhorn beetle without a common name: Graphisurus fasciatus (Photos 2 – 5).  This longhorn beetle (in the family Cerambycidae) is quite large as far as longhorn beetles go, reaching up to 0.6 inches in length, and features two long antennae (aka “horns”) characteristic of most of its family (Photo 3).

Host Trees and Habitat
As a larva, Graphisurus fasciatus feeds on a variety of hardwoods and is reported to feed on pine trees as well. I generally find G. fasciatus larvae feeding between
the bark and sapwood of black walnut (Juglans nigra), white oak (Quercus alba ) and red oak (Quercus rubra) logs (Photo 6).

Identification Tips
There are several ways to differentiate this species from the less common but closely related Graphisurus despectus, but one of the surest ways is to examine the scutellum (aka the small shield-like plate at the top/between the elytra [wing covers]). In G. fasciatus, the scutellum has two small whitish patches of hair, not present on G. despectus (Photo 7). Another diagnostic characteristic of G. fasciatus is that it has elytra with emarginate (or notched) tips (Photo 8).

Should You Be Concerned?
This species can be alarming by its noticeable size and relative abundance but is not necessarily a major pest of concern as it does not usually bore into the sapwood and cause defects to the wood.

Stay Informed
FNR Extension encourages landowners and natural resource professionals to remain observant when working with hardwood logs and report unusual insect activity when found.

To stay up to date on forest health and insect alerts, consider subscribing to the  Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Entomology Weekly Review for regular updates on insects affecting Indiana’s forests and natural areas.

Will Drews, Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology 

Resources:
Spotted Lanternfly, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entomology
Box Tree Moth Range is Expanding, Purdue Landscape Report
Beetle that attacks Tree-of-Heaven found in Indiana, Purdue Landscape Report, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Sawflies: Caterpillar Pests but not Caterpillars – PLR, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Prepared for Insects Waking Up? – PLR, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Case Study: Maple Tree Pests – PLR, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive Species, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

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Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a major pest of concern across most of the United States. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper native to China that was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. SLF feeds on over 70+ plant species including fruit, ornamental and woody trees with tree-of-heaven as its preferred host. Spotted lanternfly is a hitchhiker and can easily be moved long distances through human assisted movement.

Know the Primary Host: Tree -of-Heaven
Tree of heaven (TOH) is the preferred host for the spotted lanternfly (SLF).  The ability to identify TOH will be critical to monitoring the spread of this invasive pest as the 4th-stage nymphs and adult spotted lantern-flies show a strong preference for TOH.

Report a Sighting
If you suspect you’ve seen a spotted lanternfly, please take the following steps:

• Take a picture and note your location.
• If you can, collect a sample of the insect by catching it and placing it in a freezer. You can use any container available as long as it has a tight seal (like a water bottle) so that the spotted lanternfly can’t escape.
• Report your sighting through one of the following channels:
  Email: DEPP@dnr.in.gov
  Online: eddmaps.org or ReportINvasive
  Phone: 1-866-663-9684

Help Stop the Spread
Everyone can play a role in slowing the spread of spotted lanternfly:

• Inspect vehicles, trailers and outdoor equipment for spotted lanternfly eggs, nymphs, and adults before driving or moving to a new location.
• Avoid moving firewood, as it can transport SLF and other invasive pests.
• Stay informed by subscribing to trusted resources like the up to date with the latest newsletters: Purdue Landscape Report and Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Entomology & Plant Pathology Weekly Review E-newsletter.
• Follow updates and management tips on social media by connecting with ReportINvasive on Facebook (@reportINvasive) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which shared information acrossa Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@INdnrinvasive).

Spread Awareness
Share your spotted lanternfly knowledge with others! Share about SLF with neighbors, colleagues and your communit to help protect Indiana’s natural and agricultural resources.

Resources:
Spotted Lanternfly, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entomology
Prepare to Manage Spotted Lanternfly, Purdue Landscape Report
Spotted Lanternfly is on the Move!, Purdue Landscape Report
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hatch is Here, Purdue Landscape Report
Spotted Lanternfly Found in Indiana, Purdue Landscape Report
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Purdue Extension – Entomology

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Purdue Landscape Report: Each of us utilize mobile devices and daily consume services that require fiber and other utility infrastructure. Necessary utility work along roadways often leaves sunken trenches, compacted soil for lawns that are uneven or stripped of vegetation. If damage is significant, check with the utility provider, as many companies have restoration policies or reimbursement options for affected homeowners. However, subcontractors and varying degrees of action by utilities can make this a frustrating process.

But a few timely steps can speed recovery and simplify the process rather than dealing with later weed overgrowth or washing overtime. Begin by removing rocks, excess gravel, and construction debris. Loosen the sides of ruts or where excess soil remains beside a trench with a rake or shovel to level out and improve water infiltration and root development. If the area has settled or ruts are present after a period of time, regrade to match the surrounding lawn and ensure proper drainage away from the roadway and sidewalks. Use extra caution when these areas are collocated with drainage or susceptible to water over wash as your work can be whisked away. In some cases, ignored sunken trenches and ruts can be back filled with highly deteriorated mulch to help bring back life to the soil if one has patience to let time continue to run its course and seed later into the mellowed, high organic matter soil.

Next, incorporate quality topsoil or compost to rebuild soil structure and fertility.

Choose a grass seed mix appropriate for your region and light conditions and apply it evenly over the prepared area. Lightly rake the seed into the soil and cover with straw mulch to reduce erosion and conserve moisture. Keep the area consistently moist with light, frequent watering until seedlings are well established, typically 2–3 weeks depending on weather. If the season is not fit for seeding grass (i.e. July) try seeding a temporary cover crop like buckwheat that will attract pollinators and give short term cover while choking out weeds.

For larger or highly visible areas, sod can provide an instant fix, though it is both expensive and requires careful watering to root successfully. Once new grass reaches 3–4 inches, begin mowing and apply a light fertilizer application to encourage growth.

In summary, it depends on the time frame and the urgency you have to fix a recently created problem based on its location. For problem areas that have existed over time where weed growth has already occurred, using composted mulch to fill sunken trenches or ruts may be the easiest, while using mowing to manage weeds during summer and seed after lighly working surface more towards late summer or early fall.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Roadside Rehab: Rebuilding Soil and Cover After Utility Damage.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Caring for storm-damaged trees/How to Acidify Soil in the Yard – In the Grow, Purdue Extension
Why Is My Tree Dying? – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Mark Evans, Extension Educator/Plant & Soil Science, Elkhart County
Purdue Extension – Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)

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With rainfall well below average, watering your trees is more important than ever. Indiana typically receives around 3.14 inches of rain in September, but as of 2025, only 1.31 inches have fallen—making this month even drier than last year. These conditions can lead to dry, wilted leaves and stress for trees across the state, especially during prolonged heat. To see how drought is affecting your area, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor for Indiana-specific maps.

In this video, Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director of the Indiana Arborist Association, explains why consistent watering is critical and shares practical tips to help your trees stay healthy through dry spells.

Extreme heat can have a major impact on tree health and survival. Water is the most limiting ecological resource for a tree, and without adequate moisture, decline and death are imminent. It reduces carbohydrate production, significantly lowering energy reserves and production of defense chemicals in the tree. Check out this publication titled Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees! to learn what to look for for any weakening issues including pests that like the dry conditions.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

More Extreme Heat Resources:
Climate and Drought Maps, Purdue Indiana State Climate Office
Summer Tree Care, Purdue Landscape Report
Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees!, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Extreme Heat Including Fact Sheets, Purdue Extension – IN-PREPared
Extreme Heat – Resources, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Drought Information​, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Selection for the “Un-natural” Environment, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Submit Sample, Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab
Find an Arborist, Indiana Arborist Association

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: Do you have bats roosting on your property? Help DNR by counting how many bats fly out during a few evenings this summer. Monitoring bats as they emerge from roosts helps us manage the reproductive health of bats across the state.

The Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project uses volunteers to collect information on the distribution, occupancy and abundance of bat colonies throughout Indiana.

Participants must have bats roosting on their property or permission to enter property where a roost occurs. Possible roost sites include trees, bat houses, barns, attics, outbuildings and other structures. On each night of surveying, volunteers count the bats that exit the roost and record weather information. Each survey takes about an hour and is conducted on eight to 12 nights from mid-May to mid-July.

Newsletter can be found online May: DNR: Communications: MyDNR Email Newsletter (in.gov)

For more information please visit Summer Bat Roost Monitoring Project.

To sign up for the project, visit the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s volunteer page and select “Find an ongoing service project.” Wildlife Diversity staff also monitor bats using mobile acoustic surveys and acoustic monitoring stations.

Resources:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) Highlights: Bats, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Bats in the Belfry, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Ask An Expert: Bats on the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE), Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Facebook
Bats in Indiana, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)
Bat Houses, Bat Conservation International
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE): Indiana Forestry and Wildlife, The Education Store
Unexpected Plants and Animals of Indiana: Indiana Bats, Purdue College of Agriculture News
Selecting a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
FAQs – How can I get rid of nuisance wildlife (bats, deer, racoons, etc.)?
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Wild Bulletin, IN DNR, Division of Fish & Wildlife: Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a naturally occurring viral disease commonly seen in the Indiana deer herd. Each year, typically in late summer, Indiana DNR receives reports of deer displaying signs of EHD throughout the state.

This year, DNR confirmed a significant EHD outbreak that began in the northern region of the Hoosier State. In some years, EHD can affect a larger-than-normal portion of the deer and becomes widespread across a county. In those instances, DNR lowers the County Bonus Antlerless Quotas (CBAQs) in the impacted counties to offset the effect of the counties’ EHD outbreak on the deer herd in that region.

EHD is transmitted by biting midges, also known as sand gnats or “no-see-ums.” Deer infected with EHD may display unusual behaviors such as lethargy, excessive salivation, or disorientation. EHD also causes fever in deer, which can cause deer to seek water. As a result, many deer that die from EHD are found in or near open water sources like ponds and rivers. Anyone who finds a deer showing signs of EHD or dead in water is asked to report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.

County bonus antlerless quotas reduced in three counties for 2024-25
Due to the number of reported deer mortalities and extent of EHD in the region, DNR has lowered the County Bonus Antlerless Quotas (CBAQs) in Wabash, Porter, and Allen counties from two bonus antlerless deer to one to help offset the effects of EHD on the deer herd in that region. During the winter, DNR biologists will fully evaluate the effects of EHD and will propose changes to bag limits as required. Hunters can stay informed about CBAQ changes at on.IN.gov/EHD-quotas.

To find out more view the Indiana Department of Natural Resources EHD Antlerless Bonus Quota Reductions.

Resources:
Be on the Watch for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in Deer, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report a Sick or Dead Deer, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN-DNR)
EHD Virus in Deer: How to Detect and Report video, Quality Deer Management Association
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (pdf),  Cornell University
How to Score Your White-Tailed Deer video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Purdue FNR Got Nature? blog
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Introduction to White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, Deer Impact Toolbox, Got Nature? Blog & The Education Store
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Managing White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist
A Woodland Management Moment – Deer Fencing, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Video

Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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