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

Extension field day highlights use of canines to detect voles

The goal is to use dogs to be more efficient at vole trapping.

Francesca Lear | May 29, 2024 | News story

Extension collaboration helps develop first-of-its-kind stream assessment tool

The stream assessment tool is now in use across all sage-grouse conservation plans on private lands in Oregon, totaling over 600,000 acres.

Vanessa Schroeder, Dustin Johnson | Apr 2024 | Impact story

Sea Grant Extension makes fishermen aware of gear that keeps seabirds from getting hooked on fishing lines

Extension fisheries specialist Amanda Gladics worked with marine suppliers and port authorities in Washington, Oregon and California to let fishermen know that these lines were available for free.

Amanda Gladics | Apr 2024 | 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 51: The Purple Martin Show

Lauren Grand from Oregon State University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Service chats with wildlife biologist Lorelle Sherman about the captivating Purple Martin bird. Learn about their habitat, nesting behavior, and ...

Carrie Cantrell | Aug 2024 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Is this a cicada?

Q: I found this insect in my raspberry plant shedding its skin. Is it a cicada? I didn't know we had cicadas in Oregon.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Hopkins Demonstration Forest

Hopkins Demonstration Forest is a 140-acre privately-owned forest open to the public for self-guided exploration, tours, workshops, and education programs. They welcome guests during daylight hours, seven days a week throughout the year. Property maps are available at the information kiosk near the main parking area.

Aug 2024 | Online resource

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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

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

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

Amanda Gladics

Sea Grant Coastal Fisheries

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

Should I keep filling my hummingbird feeder in frigid temperatures?

Q: I’m wondering if it’s OK here in central Oregon to leave our hummingbird feeder up a little while longer. I just noticed a hummingbird hanging out on the feeder this morning when it was 16 degrees.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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