RABBIT ON PATIENCE ISLAND TESTS POSITIVE FOR TULAREMIA, A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS BACTERIAL DISEASE

 Posted by Wayne G. Barber 

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Agriculture and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are notifying the public about a New England cottontail rabbit from Patience Island that tested positive for tularemia (Franisella tularensis) recently.

 

Located off the northwest coast of Prudence Island in Portsmouth, Patience Island is currently home to a New England cottontail rabbit (NEC) population, a candidate species for Federal Endangered Species protection. These rabbits on Patience Island have been used as a source for stocking rabbits throughout their historic range from Maine south to New York. As part of this large-scale regional effort DEM staff annually trap rabbits to move to areas throughout the region to bolster declining NEC populations. All rabbits trapped on Patience Island are given a general health evaluation. 

 

On January 27, 2021 a male NEC was captured on Patience Island to be part of a restoration.  This rabbit died on February 3, 2021 in captivity while being prepared for release. The rabbit was necropsied on February 4, 2021 and a positive test for tularemia was returned on March 3, 2021.

 

Tularemia, or rabbit fever, is a highly contagious infectious bacteria that affects humans, pets, and a wide range of wildlife species, especially rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents.  It is spread by biting flies, mosquitoes, ticks, as well as contact with infected animals. Tularemia can also be spread through inhalation or ingestion of bacteria particles, and as few as 10 to 50 particles can cause an infection. Tularemia is not known to be spread person to person. Tularemia is rare and only one human case has been reported in Rhode Island since 2008. Symptoms include fever, skin ulcers and enlargement of lymph nodes. Tularemia is a treatable infection; however, if left untreated it can be fatal to humans, pets, and wildlife.

 

DEM is warning people to avoid being bitten by insects or any contact with wildlife while on Patience Island. Ticks that transmit tularemia to humans include the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the wood tick (D. andersoni), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Other transmission routes  include deer fly bite, inhalation, ingestion, and through skin contact with infected animals. To ensure optimal protection, people should use insect repellent and wear personal protective equipment, including long sleeves and pants, as well as face and eye protection.

 

RIDOH's ongoing Tick Free Rhode Island campaign highlights the three keys to tick safety: repel, check, and remove.

Cicadas are coming this year.

 Posted by Wayne G. Barber 

The Cicadas Cometh

A dozen states across the US are preparing for a natural (and noisy) spectacle over the coming weeks as the Great Eastern Brood of cicadas emerges from a 17-year-stint underground to eat, mate, and enjoy the final month of their life. Also known as Brood X, the phenomenon is one of 15 separate broods, each distributed geographically with its own 17- or 13-year cycles. Billions of the bugs are expected to emerge through the spring.

Though synchronized, the brood won't appear at once—at any location, their emergence is triggered when soil temperatures reach 64 degrees. After molting males spend the next few weeks emitting a high-pitch song in unison to attract females. Eggs are laid on branches and twigs, with the larvae immediately burrowing into the ground upon hatching.

Forsythias at Old Homeplaces.....

 Posted by Wayne G. Barber

 Forsythia's and Daffodill's at Old Homeplaces.

 In our present Northeast Quiet Corner Connecticut residence there is a good size group of Yellow Forsythia's that are bursting with buds in March every year unless the local whitetail deer herd struggles with a high snow cover or a abundant supply of mast to sustain them to spring. I will ask my daughter-in-law if by chance they were a gift from our former residence. I’ve always called the cheery herald of spring, yellow daffodil, Gramma Barber sometimes calls them jonquils. A few other names I’ve heard folks use for the flower are March lily, March flower, Easter lily, Easter flower, and even buttercup.

I love the daffodils that I had sprinkled around my previous backyard, but I also love the ones I see at old homeplaces as I go about my way to and through Burrillville and beyond.

My mind drifts back to those people who planted them and I wonder who they were and why did their homes disappear into the landscape. Rot, fire, disease ? Stones and foundations protrude through the brush and saplings on every rural road in our part of New England and the perennials will outlive the wooden structures from years gone by. Gramma Barber, gave me many of tours on the 352 acre remains of the Cooper/ Barber farm where the slave residence once stood and all that was left was the center chimney with 6 fireplaces and the farm foreman's foundation and hand dug wells also. The flowers were still coming back every spring and then the Lilacs were next to bud and bloom in old outhouse locations or near a kitchen window for a free air freshener. Gramma Cook gave a glimpse of the old her childhood Vose family farmstead in Cumberland, then Tarklin and then in Mapleville that also had the hardy spring flowers in perpetuity. Now to find one of our many grandchildren to pass on the locations of our many ancestors.

 Lilacs, Forsythia and Daffodills remember when people are long gone.

Thank You, for reading this and for tuning in to our Outdoor Scene radio program every Sunday at 9 am on wnri.com 

Travis Buttle is Vermont’s Warden of the Year

 Posted by Wayne G. Barber 

MONTPELIER, Vt. – State Game Warden Sergeant Travis Buttle of Shaftsbury is Vermont's Game Warden of the Year.  A game warden since 1996, Buttle was nominated by his peers and received the award in recognition of his excellent service.

 

"I want to thank Travis for his outstanding performance in protecting Vermont's fish and wildlife resources and serving the people of Vermont," said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter.  “Sergeant Buttle was chosen for his integrity, professionalism and high motivation in all of his work duties, and because he has earned respect from other wardens and the public.”

 

“This nomination by Sergeant Buttle’s peers is in recognition of his outstanding work ethic, his ability to conduct thorough investigations, his building of community support for fish and wildlife enforcement while acting as the department’s spokesperson in his community, and for providing training to the Vermont Law Enforcement community at large,” said Colonel Jason Batchelder, Vermont’s chief game warden. 

 

“Sergeant Buttle has been in the Southern District for 24 years, assigned to the Bennington District for that entire time.  He is a reliable and dependable warden and a fair and impartial investigator who serves with distinction on a regular basis.  Travis is a prime example of a community-oriented law enforcement officer who is empathetic, courteous, professional, and responsive to the public.”

Travis Buttle’s warden district includes the towns of Shaftsbury, Glastenbury, Bennington, Woodford, Pownal, and Stamford.

Governor Lamont Signs Order Opening Connecticut’s Fishing Season Early

 Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Trout Fishing Season Opening Early to Encourage Social Distancing, Anglers Reminded to Exercise Caution if Fishing on Late-Season Ice

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an executive order removing closed seasons for fishing on all inland waters in Connecticut, and opening additional lakes, ponds, as well as rivers and streams to fishing statewide, effective today. The governor signed a similar order last year to open the state’s fishing season early at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Order No. 10B removes prohibitions on fishing for trout, effectively advancing opening day of trout season from April 10, 2021 to today. The governor said that opening the fishing season early permits anglers to enjoy additional access to outdoor recreation, which has been a help to residents’ mental and physical health.

“Opening the fishing season early helps to reduce opening day crowds and limit the potential for spread of COVID-19,” Governor Lamont said. “Anglers are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing, and we encourage fishing to be enjoyed only with members of your immediate household and not as a group activity.”

Connecticut saw a 17 percent increase in new fishing and hunting license sales last year, evidence of how residents are enjoying the state’s spectacular fisheries and natural resources as a safe respite during the pandemic.

The Fisheries Division of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) began its 2021 spring stocking of all traditional trout fishing areas in early February. There are also plenty of opportunities to fish for bass, pike, walleye, catfish, and carp in areas that are usually closed at this time of year. Anglers are reminded to purchase 2021 fishing licenses, Trout & Salmon Stamp, and Youth Fishing Passports online, through DEEP’s mobile friendly website or access through DEEP’s main fishing website.

Important Reminders

Rivers & Streams: DEEP will be stocking throughout March and early April and anglers are encouraged to enjoy early season fishing on rivers and streams that are traditionally closed during this time.

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing opportunities may exist on some waters in parts of Connecticut. DEEP does not monitor ice thickness and warns all anglers to exercise caution if planning to fish on the ice. DEEP reminds winter anglers that safety comes first. Be aware that ice thickness varies on all waterbodies due to a number of environmental factors, including in-lake water circulatory patterns. Please check the late season ice carefully before venturing out and check repeatedly to make sure that ice thicknesses are sufficient. Remember, late season ice is not as safe as early season ice. Thickness that would be safe at the beginning of the season should be viewed with caution now. If in doubt, DO NOT GO. Always let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Visit the DEEP Ice Safety webpage for more information.

Social Distancing: Anglers should maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, practice good personal hygiene, and stay home and away from others if you feel sick. If you arrive at a favorite fishing spot and see that crowds are forming, choose a different location, or return another day or time. Please respect social distancing for your safety and that of our staff if you encounter DEEP’s hard-working staff stocking trout.

Boat Launches: All of DEEP’s 117 boat launches located throughout the state remain open provided the launch is free from snow/ice, although docks will not be in place yet. DEEP reminds boaters that social distancing rules still apply and all boaters are encouraged to consider the size of the vessel, the number of people on board, and the ability of people to keep separation distances. From October 1st through May 31st, you must wear a Life Jacket (state law). All children 12 and under must wear a Life Jacket. Whether fishing from a kayak, canoe, rowboat, or outboard a PFD can save your life should you capsize.

While Executive Order No. 10B opens water to fishing, all other fishing laws and regulations, including requirements for a fishing license and trout and salmon stamp when needed, and all methods, creel limits and length limits remain in effect. The executive order does not change the regulations for Trout Management Areas that are currently open for catch and release fishing only nor does it change the one fish per day, 16 inch minimum length, currently in effect at Trout Management Lakes.

DEEP has many great sources of information available to anglers through social media, email, and the agency’s improved website. The 2021 Connecticut Fishing Guide has loads of valuable information for anglers, as do the DEEP Fisheries and Wildlife pages on Facebook (facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife) and Twitter (twitter.com/CTFishWildlife). Questions about fish or fishing can be emailed directly to mike.beauchene@ct.gov, who can provide assistance in as timely a manner as possible during normal working hours.

Abenaki Chef Jessee Lawyer to Join Vermont Wild Kitchen March 18

 Posted by Wayne G. Barber  Photos by Wayne G. Barber 

Since spring of 2020, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has partnered with the Vermont Farm to Plate Network to host the Vermont Wild Kitchen, a Facebook Live cooking show taking place on the third Thursday of each month.  March’s episode will feature Abenaki Chef Jessee Lawyer who will prepare traditional Abenaki ingredients with a modern twist.  Some wild and local ingredients Lawyer plans on using include deer shank, bear fat, garlic, sumac, and more.

“We’re so grateful for Chef Jessee to join us in the Vermont Wild Kitchen to demonstrate how to create a seasonal meal showcasing Native techniques and ingredients,” said Shane Rogers, Farm to Plate communications manager at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund.  “He brings such a wealth of knowledge to the table and we are excited to be able to help share that to Vermonters around the state.”

Since the first episode aired in April, the series has gained a considerable following by featuring easy recipes using wild and local Vermont ingredients available to anyone along with demonstrations on how to identify and process wild ingredients.  All of the featured guests are home cooks who are also hunters, anglers, foragers, and farmers demonstrating their own favorite recipes utilizing local foods that are rooted in Vermont.  Segments have included how to fillet and fry a fish, roasting squash au gratin, and preparing nettles.

“Vermont Wild Kitchen allows us to explore wild food and make it more accessible to Vermonters,” said Nicole Meier, Hunter Education Program Coordinator for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.  “With the episodes being unscripted and run by home cooks in their own kitchens, it has been such a fun way to connect to Vermonters, especially as many of us are doing more cooking at home and looking for new and fun ingredients to work it.”

The next episode of Vermont Wild Kitchen will air on March 18, 2021 at 5pm on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/rootedinvermont.