Purdue University - Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources
Got Nature? Blog
Box turtles are so-called because unlike most turtles, they can completely close up their shell, much like a box. They have a hinged belly that can close so tightly that even an ant couldn’t get inside. They have probably evolved this capability in order to be safe from predators such as raccoons and opossums. There is a wonderful British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) video called Eastern Box Turtle.
We have two box turtle species in Indiana, the ornate box turtle and the eastern box turtle. Both are protected by law from disturbance of any kind with the single exception of moving them out of danger, such as helping one cross a road (place it on the side it was headed; it will cross again if you return it to the original side). 
Both box turtles in Indiana are state protected because their numbers are declining, probably due to habitat loss and road deaths. What can you do to help? Slow down when driving, especially on rainy spring, summer or fall mornings. If you wish to have a box turtle as a pet, make sure that it was captive-reared, not wild-caught, though both are illegal in Indiana. If you encounter an injured box turtle that needs medical attention, call the Indiana DNR at 800-893-4116 or 317-232-4080 during business hours, 765-473-9722 (northern half of Indiana) or 812-837-9536 (southern half of Indiana).
To learn more about box turtles and other turtle species in Indiana, visit The Education Store for Turtles of Indiana.
Steve Kimble, Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue
Rod Williams, Associate Professor of Wildlife Science
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue
Salamanders are often mistaken for lizards, but the two groups are very different.
Tiger salamanders are a common species found in Indiana. The bright spotting is probably a sign to predators that they taste bad.
Though they both have similar body shapes, lizards are reptiles (along with turtles, snakes, crocodiles, dinosaurs, and yes, birds) while salamanders are amphibians (along with toads, frogs and a weird and rarely seen group called caecilians). This means lizards have dry scaly skin, while salamanders have moist, porous skin. Lizards all must breathe with lungs, just as humans do. Salamanders, on the other hand, can breathe through their skin, via gills, via lungs or in some cases via their skin and lungs!
Another major difference between lizards and salamanders is their reproduction. Lizards have leathery, partly calcified (shelled) eggs that are typically buried in sand or dirt, but a few species are hatched while still inside the mother before birth. Salamanders, as amphibians, mostly lay their eggs in water where the larvae hatch and after some time usually metamorphose and return to land. Lizards can be found most anywhere on land, while salamanders must stay where they won’t dry out: under logs or leaves, underground or directly in water. We have about six species of lizards and 23 species of salamanders here in Indiana.
The five-lined skink is another Indiana native. Females will aggressively guard their nests, sometimes biting a threatening finger (don’t worry, they’re not venomous).
Several of the salamander species are listed as Special Concern or State Endangered. Regardless of their legal status, all wildlife should be left where you find it unless it’s in immediate danger, such as on a road.
For more information on how to identify Indiana salamanders and lizards:
Salamanders of Indiana book
Snakes and Lizards of Indiana
Place keywords in the search field at the Purdue Extension resource center for more information: The Education Store.
View Help The Hellbender website for more information on salamanders.
Steve Kimble, Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue
Rod Williams, Associate Professor of Wildlife Science
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue
Although perhaps a bit late, spring has seemingly sprung upon us. One of the best signals of spring is the symphony of calling frogs and toads in and around wetlands, ponds and lakes throughout Indiana. Amphibians native to Indiana are an important component of healthy ecosystems. They play important roles as both predator and prey in food webs. We can also consider many amphibians as “bio-indicators” of environmental health. Unfortunately, many species of amphibians and reptiles are thought to be in the decline. While the causes for declines are species-specific, the actions that people take can be a contributing factor.
Unlike other vertebrates, most amphibians and reptiles can be observed up close or even
captured by hand – some more easily than others. Exploring natural habitats while searching for, catching and photographing reptiles and amphibians are great ways to gain hands-on experience with nature. However, be mindful that some activities, or the manner in which they are conducted, can harm the very creatures we value. Reptiles and amphibians represent numerous examples where interactions between wildlife and people can have negative consequences despite the best of intentions.
When you go outdoors to enjoy our amphibians and other wildlife, follow some of these simple tips:
Stay on designated roads and trail systems – Human foot traffic can affect plants and animals in some habitats (e.g., you may have noticed the compressed soil and lack of vegetation on even lightly used foot trails). Focusing foot traffic on trails can minimize human impacts on sensitive plants and animals. It is also required on some public properties.
Be a responsible pet owner – Dogs make good companions when hiking outdoors. However, research has demonstrated dogs can disturb, harass or even kill wildlife. While impacts on reptiles and amphibians are unclear, it is good practice to keep your dog leashed while exploring natural areas. Many parks and properties require dogs to be leashed.
Be a good steward of the land – Carelessly turning over logs and coarse woody debris in search of reptiles and amphibians can destroy microhabitat features that took decades to create. It is also prohibited on many public properties. If you do find an animal under a log or rock, return the object to its original location, then place the animal next to it rather than rolling the object directly over the animal.
Minimize or avoid handling animals – If you must handle a wild amphibian or reptile, 
there are safe ways to hold and restrain them. Avoid handling amphibians for long periods of time. Amphibians are prone to desiccation (drying out). There are no formal guidelines on the length of time to handle an amphibian, and it is not clear how handling impacts an animal’s health and wellbeing. Common sense dictates that handling time should be minimized to the greatest extent possible. If a frog or salamander feels “dry,” you have handled it too long, and it should be returned to its location of capture immediately. Keep your hands moist and free of chemicals (e.g., bug spray or sunscreen).
Use good hygiene – The transmission of many diseases among animals can be facilitated by people. There are a number of safeguards that can be implemented to not only protect you, but also the animal populations as well. To prevent spreading diseases and pathogens from one site to another, regularly wash clothing and especially boots that you use in the field. All equipment that contacts an animal or the water the animal was in should be decontaminated using a 1-3 percent bleach solution or air dried for at least three hours before traveling to another water body. You also should use hand sanitizer before and after handling animals in nature. Before eating or handling food, thoroughly wash hands in hot, soapy water if possible; hand sanitizer is an acceptable substitute for remote locations.
For more information about responsibly enjoying wildlife and nature, see Appreciating Reptiles and Amphibians in Nature.
Resources:
Sounds of Frogs & Toads, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Frogs & toads of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Salamanders of Indiana Book, The Education Store
Amphibians: Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders, Purdue Nature of Teaching
The Nature of Teaching: Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store
Hellbender ID, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Moment in the Wild, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University
A recent article in ScienceDaily titled “Excessive Deer Populations Hurt Native Plant Biodiversity” shares how an overpopulation of deer is hurting native plant growth. Landowners seek best management practices as these challenges arise.
For the article from the University of Miami, view: “Excessive deer populations hurt native plant biodiversity.” ScienceDaily, 20 March 2014.
Resources
Preventing Wildlife Damage, Purdue EVERYTHING Wildlife
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, Purdue Extension Publication
Cold winter winds, alternating extreme temperatures, ice and snow can be damaging to trees and shrubs. However, this spring, we are seeing additional damage due to the harsh winter conditions that is of the furry kind: rabbits and rodents. Mice and rabbits often damage young trees in the winter by feeding on the juicy, green cambium layer just under the bark and girdling the tree. Damage from these furry creatures occurs most commonly in winters when there is prolonged, heavy snow cover and food is scarce. Sound familiar? Rabbits feed on the bark above the snow while mice tunnel under the snow and feed near the ground level. Mouse damage is usually more severe when the trees are surrounded by heavy grass, weed cover or heavy mulch.
On young trees and multi-stemmed ornamental trees, rabbits remove the bark completely around the trunks and stems, effectively girdling them. All growth above the girdled areas will eventually decline and die, and for most situations, replacing the girdled trees is the best course of action. There are no applications that will mitigate the effects of rabbit damage or save severely damaged trees. Wound dressings, pruning paints, latex paints, wrappings and other alleged protective barriers do not help.
Many deciduous shrubs have the ability to produce new shoots or suckers at their base. Because of this ability, many severely damaged deciduous shrubs can recover. However, patience is required as several years may be required for some shrubs to fully recover. In early spring as the greening begins, prune off girdled stems just below the damaged areas. This will help rejuvenate the plant in most circumstances and replace the damage growth.
The most effective deterrent to girdling by mice or rabbits is to wrap the trunk and low branches of young trees with screen wire or hardware cloth. Be certain the wire wrap is buried below the ground line and extends high enough above the possible snow line to prevent rabbits from reaching to the trunk or branches. To help control mouse damage, maintain an area free of grass or weeds for a 1- to 2-foot radius around the base of the tree. Additionally, maintain proper mulch levels, never more than 2-3”, to eliminate the habitat for mice. Various chemicals are available to repel mice and rabbits, but these do not afford the reliability of a well-made barrier.
Resources
Preventing Wildlife Damage, The Education Store, Purdue Extension
Vole Damage in Pumpkins (and other crops), Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Moles, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Adjuvants and the Power of the Spray Droplet: Improving the Performance of Pesticide Applications, The Education Store
Preventing Wildlife Damage – Do You Need a Permit?, The Education Store
Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard, Video, Purdue Extension Youtube Channel
How to Stop Woodland Animals from Digging in Your Flower Pots, Video, Purdue Extension Youtube Channel
Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Winter can be a difficult time of year for wildlife. Cold temperatures, deep snow and an ever-reducing supply of food impact the daily activities and survival ability for many wildlife. In general, wildlife have three strategies for surviving winter: migration, dormancy or toughing it out. Many species of birds migrate to warmer climates in the fall and return in the spring. Migrations can be as little as a few hundred miles to many thousands of miles. Many species of small mammals and most species of reptiles and amphibians handle winter by going through a period of dormancy, which includes torpor and hibernation. These animals reduce their metabolism by lowering oxygen consumption rates and body temperatures. Most mammals and many birds, however, will stick around and tough the winter out.
Toughing out a winter hasn’t been so bad in recent years, but the arctic weather pattern we have experienced recently will certainly force some changes in how those who tough it out spend the day. There are a myriad of adaptions for toughing out a winter. A heavier coat of fur or downy feathers increases insulation. Fatty deposits accumulated within the body are metabolized during lean food periods. Daily movements are often reduced to conserve energy. Food preferences change based on what types of food are available. How wildlife digest food in the winter can change. For example, the digestive enzymes in white-tailed deer change in order to cope with a change in diet during deep snow and severe cold as their diet shifts to more woody stems and buds. Many species look for shelter from the bitter cold and wind in thickets, dense shrubs and briar patches. Other species use underground dens to escape the cold. Some species of rodents, like southern flying squirrels, will share a den with many individuals, huddling together to conserve body heat. Others may burrow in the snow as it provides an effective barrier to sub-zero temperatures.
There are many things you can do on your property or around your home to help wildlife tough out the winter. Plantings of both deciduous and coniferous shrubs and trees can supply areas to escape cold winds as well as provide a food source. Coniferous shrubs and trees that provide excellent thermal protection include eastern red cedar, eastern white pine, northern white cedar, eastern hemlock, balsam fir, white spruce and American yew. When planting deciduous shrubs, select those whose twigs and branches overlap and lace together, forming a dense canopy. Recommended deciduous shrubs for thermal cover include American plum, the shrub dogwoods (gray, silky, red-osier and rough-leaved), hazelnut and ninebark. Also consider planting sumacs (Rhus spp.), deciduous hollies (Ilex spp.), viburnums (Viburnum spp.) and coralberry. While these species do not provide much winter thermal cover, they do produce abundant fruits that persist through winter, making them important emergency food sources. Dense patches of blackberry and raspberry can provide excellent thermal and escape cover, especially when located near food and water sources. These shrub and tree species can be planted in groups around your property or used as ornamental plantings around your home and out buildings. Most of these tree and shrub species are available commercially through the state nursery, native plant nurseries and some landscaping nurseries. Just make sure you are selecting species native to your area and stay away from invasive species!
Other habitat management practices that can increase winter habitat include cutting undesirable trees, constructing brushpiles and planting food plots. Cutting undesirable trees and allowing grape and greenbrier vines to cover the branches can create good thermal cover as can building brushpiles. Brushpiles should be no bigger than a small pickup truck. Heavier limbs and branches should be placed on the bottom with lighter branches stacked on top. Planting food plots and leaving a few unharvested rows of grain can provide food during extreme winter weather. When planning a food plot to serve as emergency winter food, I generally recommend milo, or sorghum. Milo is high in energy and can produce prolific seed heads with seeds that persist through winter. The stalks and leaves also provide good thermal cover in many cases. Be sure to include plantings of dense shrubs adjacent to food plots to serve as additional thermal and escape cover. Putting out extra bird feeders will be welcome by birds, especially when filled with oily seeds like sunflower and nyjer, or suet. Be sure to clear any deep snow from under the feeders to make seed more available and consider scattering seed on the ground near shrubs and other dense vegetation. Peanut butter and seed pine cones will be relished by many bird species and a fun activity for kids to make.
Let’s not forget about water. Open water can be just as difficult, or more difficult, to find during arctic cold snaps than food. If you have bird baths, try to keep ice free water available on a daily basis. If the air is so cold that bird bath water freezes quickly, then consider purchasing a few heated bird baths. My heated bird bath remained ice free, even during the -15 degree temperatures we just had. Sections of ponds can be kept relatively ice free by agitating the water. Special water agitators can be purchased, and water fountains will also work in some instances.
Resources
Winter Bird Feeding Tips, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (photo above provided by MDNR)
Everything Wildlife, Purdue University
For information on natural resources management, visit the Extension webpage of Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Extension.
Rob Chapman, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
As you can imagine, there is no simple solution for this problem. There is no way to direct their movements. They will go where there is ample cover and food; yards and urban areas often have plenty of both. Also coyotes are territorial, so that plays an important role in their spatial ecology. What researchers are finding is that suburban and urban coyotes (and other wildlife for that matter) do not behave the same as their rural counterparts. Oftentimes, they need less space because resources are plentiful and close together.
Most biologists would agree that trapping and removing coyotes in general is not an appropriate management strategy. If you move them out, more will simply come in. However, trapping of specific problem coyotes can be part of a comprehension management approach. The best approach is to avoid problems, and this starts with preventing coyotes from getting comfortable around people. Never feed coyotes. Many problems in urban areas are the result of people feeding coyotes. If you see coyotes around your home or yard, scare them off by yelling, clapping your hands or with other loud noises.
Resources
Coyotes, IN DNR
Coyotes (PDF), Wildlife Conflicts, Department of Entomology, Purdue University
Should I Be Worried About Coyotes in My Yard?, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Coexisting With Coyotes, Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife
Ask the Expert: Coexisting with Coyotes , Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Urban Coyotes – Should You Be Concerned?, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Pets Disappearing? The Cause May Be Coyotes, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Question: Which is the correct species of coyotes I have on my land here in Indiana, coyote or coywolf?, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
How do you eliminate a nuisance animal on your property?, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)-Fish and Wildlife
Urban Coyote Research Center, Urban Coyote Ecology & Management, Cook County, Illinois
Brian MacGowan, Wildlife Extension specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
Determining what causes holes in lawn and landscaping can be a challenging endeavor for any homeowner. The size of the hole, the presence of excavated dirt and the timing of activity are all good clues to consider. Recently, I had several holes along my driveway and sidewalk that perplexed me. I’m no stranger to holes in my yard. I’ve been combating moles in my yard (we will save that for another post) and had recently observed dead mice and shrews in my driveway. I also have many chipmunks and gray squirrels around the yard.
All of these can make holes of one type or another. However, these new holes looked different. They were clearly a tunnel/burrow with an entrance of 1.5 inches. Squirrels dig holes to bury/dig nuts or to feed on small plants. Chipmunks make 1.5 inch holes, but they carry the cast soil away in their mouths which results in a less conspicuous hole. Shrews and voles will excavate holes and tunnels, but these looked different. Voles usually are found in areas with overhead cover such as densely planted landscaping beds, areas with ground ivy or similar plants and beds with think mulch. These holes were exposed far from cover. So what were they?
It just so happens I was at a colleague’s house recently, and he mentioned all the cicada killers he has around the house. He literally had dozens of holes in areas with exposed soil just like the ones I observed at home. To my delight, I finally had the answer to my question.
Cicada killers are large wasps but unlikely to sting. Purdue’s Department of Entomology has more on cicada killers free downloadable pdf, Household and Structural, Cicada Killers.
Other resources:
Cicada killers: a nuisance or a danger?, Turfgrass Science at Purdue University
Cicada Killers, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab
Great Lakes Early Detection Network App (GLEDN) – The Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Report Invasives, College of Agriculture
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Playlists include wildlife, Nature of Teaching, Moments in the Wild and much more.
Brian MacGowan, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue University
Wildlife identification guides are useful tools that help you figure out what kind of animal you may be looking at. However, they don’t always tell the complete story. Some animals such as garter snakes can have varied appearances which makes identification difficult. Some mammals have varied pelage such as striped skunks with some being almost completely black, white or some combination in between. A very small percentage of animals within a species may look dramatically different due to differences in pigment.
Albinos lack the ability to produce color pigment in their skin, hair, feathers, scales or eyes. Animals with this condition have a white appearance with red or pink eyes. The latter is the result of tiny blood vessels that are now visible. They are typically hidden by the colored iris which is transparent in albinos.
In wildlife, albinism is a rare occurrence at birth caused by a recessive gene. The rate in wildlife is estimated from 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 1 million. Their solid white coat of fur makes them more susceptible to predation, or conversely, would make it difficult for an albino predator to stalk its prey. Albinos also have poor vision or may even be blind. The combination of these factors results in low survival of albinos, further decreasing their proportion in the population.
Partial albinism occurs in some animals and is much more common than true albinism. In white-tailed deer, this is sometimes referred to as ‘piebald’ where their fur has a blotchy, white appearance, but they lack the pink eyes found in albinos. Piebald deer occur at a frequency of less than 1 percent in hunted populations. A greater incidence of physical deformities have been reported for piebald deer.
*View in photo the piebald deer on the far left side.
Resources:
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Snakes and Lizards of Indiana, The Education Store
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Playlists include wildlife, Nature of Teaching, Moments in the Wild and much more.
Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
This time of year, sightings of white-tailed deer fawns, fledgling birds and other young critters becomes common. In most cases, the young animal is simply “spreading its wings” and exploring, or mom simply left it to get something to eat. Fawn deer are programmed to hide and remain motionless while mom is away. The fact is wildlife rarely abandons their young. They may leave briefly only to return.
Remember that you should never handle wild animals unless absolutely necessary. Any animal can bite you, and many harbor diseases and pests that can be transmitted to people.
In Indiana, wildlife rehabilitators have necessary state and federal permits to house and care for sick or injured wild animals. If you think you have found a sick or injured animal, you can find a list of licensed Wild Animal Rehabilitators in your area on the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Resources
Mammals of Indiana, J.O. Whitker and R.E. Mumford
Common Indiana Mammals, R.N. Chapman and R.N. Williams, publication number FNR-413-W
Indiana DNR Orphaned and Injured Animals
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Plantings, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Project Overview & Drone Setup, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife – The Education Store
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Playlists include wildlife, Nature of Teaching, Moments in the Wild and much more.
Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
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