1. Topics
  2. Outdoors and environments

Wildlife

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

Getting to Know Oregon’s Bats

By Rowan Fay and Dana Sanchez

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.

View publication
Credit: Craig, Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

OSU Extension Master Gardeners plant plots to help save Oregon silverspot butterfly

OSU Extension Master Gardeners have planted two small silverspot butterfly beds at the Master Gardener demonstration gardens in Lincoln City and Yachats to draw the silverspot to a friendly place for food and shelter.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 15, 2023 | News story

Dogs sniff out destructive voles to help farmers with control

Because of vole activity in the Willamette Valley from 2018-2021, crops disappeared, pastures were ruined and young blueberries and orchard trees girdled.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 19, 2023 | News story

Moles, voles and gophers dig the garden

Moles, voles and gophers all create tunnels and are active underground, but what they eat and the damage they cause varies. They all improve the soil by aerating it and mixing nutrients, but sometimes their habits get them in trouble with gardeners.

Kym Pokorny | May 16, 2022 | News story

All News

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.

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

Latest Resources

Episode 36: Oak

In this episode, Jacob Putney is joined by Steve Denney and Alicia Christiansen to discuss the importance of educating the public about Oak trees and their positive impacts on Oregon's woodlands.

Jacob Putney, Alicia Christiansen, Steve Denney | Aug 2023 | Podcast episode

How to dispose of roadkill?

Q: There is a dead deer near our home. What should we do with the body? Can someone check out if it’s diseased and if it’s a health hazard? We are not sure if we should touch it or what the procedure is.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Getting to Know Oregon’s Bats

There are 15 species of bats in Oregon. These small but mighty mammals play a vital role in our ecosystems. Learn simple things you can do to support our furry flying friends, as their habitats and species are threatened now more than ever.

Rowan Fay, Dana Sanchez | Mar 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Browse All Resources

Become a Master Naturalist!

The Oregon Master 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.

View publication
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 featured questions

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.

Explore more resources

Upcoming Events

Oct 7

Tree School Field Day at Hopkins Demonstration Forest

8:00 am - 4:30 pm Oregon City, OR
See All Events

Meet Our Experts

Dana Sanchez
Dana Sanchez
Wildlife Specialist
Photo of Jason O'Brien, Statewide Coordinator for the Oregon Master Naturalist Program
Jason O'Brien
Master Naturalist Program Coordinator

Contact me with questions about the Master Naturalist Program.

Lauren Grand
Forestry

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

Amanda Gladics
Sea Grant Coastal Fisheries
See All Wildlife Experts
Ask Extension

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.

Ask us a question

How to dispose of roadkill?

Q: There is a dead deer near our home. What should we do with the body? Can someone check out if it’s diseased and if it’s a health hazard? We are not sure if we should touch it or what the procedure is.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions