Wildlife

Getting to Know Oregon’s Bats

Learn about the 15 species of bats in Oregon, their habitat needs, the significant ecological roles they play in our environment, the threats they face and how we can support our furry flying friends.

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Credit: Craig, Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

OSU rangeland researchers help mitigate spread of invasive grasses

Communities in Eastern Oregon are better equipped to protect their rangelands from invasive grasses, reduce wildfire risk and restore the productivity and resilience of these vital ecosystems.

Vanessa Schroeder, Dustin Johnson | May 2025 | Impact story

OSU builds partnerships to conserve the sagebrush ecosystem

This work is critical for the future of Oregon’s rangelands, particularly in Eastern Oregon, where sagebrush ecosystems support both wildlife and the ranching economy.

Vanessa Schroeder, Dustin Johnson | May 2025 | Impact story

Sea Grant Extension documents whale movements to mitigate entanglements

Sea Grant facilitators used conflict resolution tools and collaboration skills to help reach common goals.

Leigh Torres, Amanda Gladics | Apr 2025 | Impact story

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Enhance songbird habitat on your forest

By Lauren Grand

Songbirds are more than just a beautiful tune; they are an essential part of a healthy woodland. Want to know how to keep those birds coming back year after year? Get tips on maintaining critical habitat for the many songbirds that may be visiting your property.

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Photo Credit: Kerry Hargrove - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Episode 61: Marbled Murrelets

"The marbled murrelet is one of the Pacific Northwest's most mysterious seabirds..." - Dr. Jim Rivers

Lauren Grand, Carrie Cantrell, Dr. Jim Rivers | May 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

From pasture to pollinators: Lessons learned in creating a native plant meadow

Master Woodland Manager David Bugni and his wife Mary Ann created habitat for native pollinators by converting an abandoned livestock pasture to a meadow.

David Bugni, Sarah Cameron | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Hummingbird visitors to Pacific Northwest gardens

There are more than 300 diverse species of hummingbirds. Anna’s hummingbirds can be spotted year round in the Pacific Northwest. Rufous migrate from areas of Mexico all the way to Alaska. Here are facts about them and how to attract them to your yard.

Brenda Holmes-Stanciu | Feb 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Become an Oregon Naturalist!

The Oregon Naturalist Program is for people interested in Oregon’s natural history and natural resources management who want to dedicate their time as volunteers. Take courses online and on-location in Oregon’s beautiful outdoors.

Topics covered include the natural history of plants, animals, habitats, and geology in Oregon, the history and processes of landscape change, as well as present-day sustainable natural resource management.

Learn more

Healthy Meat From Your Big Game Hunt: From Pre-Trip Preparation to Field Dressing

By Dana Sanchez and Joy Waite-Cusic

How to safely butcher, transport, store and prepare wild game harvested under different conditions.

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Photo Credit: Jen - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured Questions

Bats in my attic—what should I do?

Before sunrise, I sit on my deck and a couple of times recently, I've seen a bat fly into the eves and not come out. I can see there is a separation where a bat could squeeze in. I am wondering what to do to get rid of the bats and not put my family at risk of disease.

Dana Sanchez | Oct 2022 | Featured question

Strategies for rodent control?

My backyard got invaded by gophers (or someone who enjoys making holes). I'm worrying that I might injure myself in the holes. I have tried setting traps, but have been unsuccessful. I heard some snakes can kill gophers, but I'm also aware not to release invasive creatures. What do you recommend?

Elza (Elizabeth) Records, Casey Colley | Oct 2022 | Featured question

How do I get rid of the frogs on my porch?

I have five frogs that sit on my porch light by my front door and eat bugs. They are a nuisance. They leave droppings on the porch and I can’t use my front door because they will jump in the house. I do not ...

Jason O'Brien | Aug 2022 | Featured question

More Wildlife Resources

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is designated to protect and preserve wildlife in the United States.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Our mission is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations
Solve Pest Problems: Learn research-based, safe, and effective tactics for common garden and property pests and weeds. We provide non-chemical methods alongside the most effective and least toxic chemical options available, to reduce risk to people and the environment. Solve Pest Problems is a partnership between OSU and Oregon stakeholders to provide a user-friendly online resource to help urban and rural property managers to solve pest problems.

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Commercial fishing, crabbing and clamming

Community science

Fish and aquatic life

Insects

Invasive species

Nuisance wildlife

Upcoming Events

Jun 24

Wildflower Walk and Pollinator Talk

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Estacada, OR - Registration closed.

Jun 27

Tree School East 2025

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Baker City, OR

Jul 23

Collaborating with Beaver for a Resilient Future - Zoom presentation

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PDT Online

Jul 26

Collaborating with Beaver for a Resilient Future - Field Visit

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meet Our Experts

Dana Sanchez

Wildlife Specialist

Jason O'Brien

Oregon Naturalist Program Coordinator

Contact me with questions about the Oregon Naturalist Program.

Lauren Grand

Forestry & Natural Resources Associate Professor of Practice

Contact with questions about forests and small woodland management in Lane County

Amanda Gladics

Coastal Fisheries Specialist

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Can I use coffee grounds for mulch without attracting bears or cougars?

Q: I'd like to use my organic light roast coffee grounds to mulch my acid loving landscape plants, but I have read that bears love coffee grounds. We have deer, bears and cougars where I live. Is this known to be true or am I safe to use the grounds without baiting bears or other critters?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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