UWSP Wildlife Society

UWSP Wildlife Society UW-Stevens Point Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society!
2024 National TWS Student Chapter of the Year!

We are the student chapter at the University of Stevens Point Wisconsin for The Wildlife Society. We are about all things nature which include but are not limited to: research, meetings, guest speakers, education, conferences and more. We like to explore nature and question the behaviors we observe. This is a public student organization and welcome all UWSP students to join or check us out! You ma

y find more information within our Facebook photos, posts, and updates, website, as well as the UWSP SPIN page to learn more about what we do!

Happy FaunaFriday!      For this , we will be highlighting the Tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus).  “Its common nam...
04/26/2025

Happy FaunaFriday!    
  
For this , we will be highlighting the Tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). 
 
“Its common name “tricolored bat” derives from the coloration of the hairs on its back, which have three distinct color bands. Individual hairs are tricolored: dark gray at the base, buffy (yellowish brown) in the middle, and brown or reddish brown at the tip.”  
 
“In Nova Scotia, researchers discovered nearly one hundred roosts of this species, finding that all sampled individuals were roosting not in tree foliage, but rather in a species of beard lichen. This was thought to be the first documentation of a bat using beard lichen as a roosting substrate.”  
 
“The Tricolored bat has experienced severe population decline as a result of the fungal disease, white-nose syndrome. The disease kills bats by colonizing their skin during the winter, causing them to arouse from torpor and burn through their limited fat reserves. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.” 
 
These photos were sent in by Sam Coleman and taken in Ozarks National Forest, AR! 
https://animalia.bio/tricolored-bat

Bat Project! 🦇 Our project is devoted to expanding bat conservation in Central Wisconsin. The bat project was recently k...
04/26/2025

Bat Project! 🦇

Our project is devoted to expanding bat conservation in Central Wisconsin. The bat project was recently kickstarted in the fall of 2023 after being on hold for a couple of years. We work on a variety of initiatives, such as emergent roost surveys at George W. Mead Wildlife Area, interactive bat walks through Schmeeckle Reserve (coming soon!), our annual celebration of , bat house building, and research projects that address knowledge gaps surrounding Midwest bats. We have also been given the amazing opportunity to present our collected emergent roost survey data to bat experts with the Wisconsin DNR.

Some of our studies have focused on the efficacy of using bat data collected from private landowners across Wisconsin, Myotis habitat suitability modeling at Colburn Wildlife Area, and analyzing the effects of one-year burn regimes on bat activity at Treehaven.

Co-leaders have the opportunity to develop skills in bioacoustics, sonogram analysis, research design, presenting research projects, woodworking, and public engagement.

Introducing your 2025-26 TWS Officer Board! Thank you to everyone who ran and thank you to the 2024-25 officer board! It...
04/26/2025

Introducing your 2025-26 TWS Officer Board!

Thank you to everyone who ran and thank you to the 2024-25 officer board! It’s been a great year and we can’t wait to see what TWS has in store!

Happy FaunaFriday! For this , we will be highlighting the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), but more specific...
04/26/2025

Happy FaunaFriday!

For this , we will be highlighting the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), but more specifically, the “white” or “piebald” deer.

“Those with varying amounts of white fur are properly known as “piebald deer” or “white deer” and not true albinos. True albinos have pink eyes and totally white hair. Piebald’s characteristically have varying amounts of white hair in their coat, ranging from slight amounts on the legs or sides to an almost totally white coat.”

“The piebald condition results from an inherited genetic trait. Piebald deer are uncommon, typically occurring at less than one percent of the population, but can be more common on a local basis.”

“Piebald’s will frequently have other distinct physical conditions, including skeletal deformities (e.g. bowing of the nose, short/deformed legs, curved spine, short lower jaw, etc.) as well as internal organ deformities.”

This photo was taken by Sam Stellmacher in Taylor County, WI!

https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/piebald-and-albino-deer/

Indoor bird banding workshop! 🦜💍Recently, TWS hosted an indoor bird banding workshop! Members learned all about the dos ...
04/17/2025

Indoor bird banding workshop! 🦜💍

Recently, TWS hosted an indoor bird banding workshop! Members learned all about the dos and don’ts of bird banding! Members also got to practice removing fake birds from nets, banding, and ID!

Thank you to all of the participants and organizers of the workshop!

Deer Project! 🦌We study white-tailed deer throughout the state, specifically in Schmeeckle Reserve, Treehaven, and Sandh...
04/14/2025

Deer Project! 🦌

We study white-tailed deer throughout the state, specifically in Schmeeckle Reserve, Treehaven, and Sandhill Wildlife Area! In these areas we have done a variety of different studies!

At Treehaven and Schmeeckle, co-leaders have participated in trapping deer. We use box and clover traps to trap them. Then, we will ear tag each individual and deploy a VHF or GPS collar on adult does.

In Schmeeckle, co-leaders, volunteers, and members of behavioral ecology have been working together to collect deer behaviors. We have been using this data to conduct a study on urban deer behaviors relative to trail proximity.

Throughout Wisconsin, we have also done a variety of population abundance surveys. These surveys utilize pellet counts and deer tracks to estimate the number of deer in an area.

Flying Squirrel Project! Each fall we trap and tag southern flying squirrels in Schmeeckle Reserve! Co-leaders, along wi...
03/31/2025

Flying Squirrel Project!

Each fall we trap and tag southern flying squirrels in Schmeeckle Reserve! 

Co-leaders, along with volunteers go out each night to bait traps with peanut butter, oats, and bacon grease and return around 10pm to check traps. If the traps are closed, we lower the suspended Sherman traps and process the squirrel. Each flying squirrel is weighed, s*xed, and fitted with a unique ear tag.  

The data that we collected has been used in a variety of studies. They include abundance estimates, trap success, effect of canopy coverage, effects of mast years, and more!

Happy FaunaFriday! For this , we will be highlighting the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). “The Hooded Mergans...
03/29/2025

Happy FaunaFriday!

For this , we will be highlighting the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus).

“The Hooded Merganser is the only member of its genus, Lophodytes. This genus name derives from the Greek words lophos meaning crest and dutes meaning diver — an apt description of this small diving duck with the conspicuous fan-shaped crest.”

“Hooded Merganser is a “sight feeder,” detecting and pursuing aquatic prey with eyes specially adapted for keen underwater vision. Their eyes change shape to correct for light refraction beneath the water’s surface. Powerful eye muscles allow these diving birds to control the curvature of their eyes’ corneas and lenses. This allows equally accurate vision both below and above the water. Clear nictitating membranes also protect the birds’ eyes like a pair of swim goggles would.”

“When nesting, the female chooses a tree cavity for her nest location, preferably one above or close to water, about four to 15 feet above ground. (Although some cavities have been recorded over 80 feet up!)”

This photo was sent in by Hunter McAlpine and taken in Green Lake, WI!

https://abcbirds.org/bird/hooded-merganser/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhYS_BhD2ARIsAJTMMQYqpKtzfQd4g2gGqLzOmMUp_AIT8eXILpoaoJ8SwXiEZr2CqWzGPc0aArjAEALw_wcB

Ruffed Grouse Project!Each spring since 2014, the Ruffed Grouse project has monitored the ruffed grouse population at Tr...
03/24/2025

Ruffed Grouse Project!

Each spring since 2014, the Ruffed Grouse project has monitored the ruffed grouse population at Treehaven. Specifically, we utilize point count surveys to monitor spring drumming activity, trap and collar male ruffed grouse, and utilize radio telemetry to monitor home range size, habitat selection, etc. This spring, the project plans on bringing volunteers every weekend of our field season. Our season starts on the weekend after spring break and goes to the weekend before finals week. Please keep an eye out for volunteer sign-up sheets in the weekly TWS meeting minutes!

Happy FaunaFriday! For this , we will be highlighting the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). “Snapping tu...
03/14/2025

Happy FaunaFriday!

For this , we will be highlighting the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina).

“Snapping turtles have been around for so long they lived with the dinosaurs! That means they survived the mass extinction that wiped dinosaurs off the earth some 65 million years ago. Snapping turtles have existed for about 90 million years, and they evolved in North America, making them one of our oldest turtles.”

“The average common snapping turtle can bite with a force of about 210 Newtons; alligator snapping turtles aren’t quite as powerful, with a bite force of 160 Newtons. Snapping turtles can inflict a lot of damage with their bites in part because their jaws are sharp and edged.”

“Snapping turtles are aquatic creatures, spending most of their time in water except for nesting. They prefer shallow waters with muddy bottoms. When looking for a meal, the turtles will sometimes bury themselves in muddy bottoms of the rivers, lakes and ponds where they live, leaving only their nostrils exposed.”

This photo was sent in by Emily DeVetter!

https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/five-facts-about-snapping-turtles/

Gray Squirrel Project! 🐿️We trap and tag gray squirrels in Schmeeckle Reserve every year in February and March. Students...
03/13/2025

Gray Squirrel Project! 🐿️

We trap and tag gray squirrels in Schmeeckle Reserve every year in February and March. Students learn how to measure ears, tell the age and s*x of squirrels, and weigh them using a handling code. We primarily study environmental factors that influence trap success, but our past projects have included population dynamics, body condition studies, and trap interference from other species.

Wild Bird Project! 🦅🪶The Wild Bird Project gives students experience with a variety of bird species in Wisconsin and bey...
03/10/2025

Wild Bird Project! 🦅🪶

The Wild Bird Project gives students experience with a variety of bird species in Wisconsin and beyond. Every Sunday during the school year, we run Raptor Road Surveys at the Buena Vista Wildlife Area, where we drive the roads looking for hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey. Volunteers get to see some really cool species including Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, Greater Prairie-Chickens, and more. During the fall, we also work with the Linwood Springs Research Station to band migrating Northern Saw-whet Owls. Volunteers get full hands-on experience handling, banding, and releasing these wonderful little owls. Sometimes we catch over a dozen in one night! Finally, the Wild Bird Project also offers annual birding trips to famous birding destinations including Hawk Ridge and the Sax-Zim Bog near Duluth, Minnesota. These trips give students a chance to see some of the most sought-after bird species in the United States, including Golden Eagles, American Goshawks, Great Gray Owls, and much more.

Happy FaunaFriday! For this , we will be highlighting the Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)! “Downy woodpeckers ar...
03/07/2025

Happy FaunaFriday!

For this , we will be highlighting the Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)!

“Downy woodpeckers are recognizable by their black-and-white impression. The black upper parts are checked with white on the wings, the head is boldly striped, and the back has a broad white stripe down the center. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head.”

“In winter Downy Woodpeckers are frequent members of mixed species flocks. They are a familiar sight at backyard feeders and in parks and woodlots, where they join flocks of chickadees and nuthatches.”

“Woodpeckers don’t sing songs, but they drum loudly against pieces of wood or metal to achieve the same effect. People sometimes think this drumming is part of the birds’ feeding habits, but it isn’t.”

This photo was taken by Dana Lotz in Schmeeckle Reserve!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/overview

Northern Saw-whet Owl Project! 🦉The Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) project has been conducting research at Sandhill Wildli...
03/06/2025

Northern Saw-whet Owl Project! 🦉

The Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) project has been conducting research at Sandhill Wildlife Area since 2006! This long running project bands saw-whet owls during their fall migration. They have banded over 1600 owls, which accounts for at least 10% of banded NSWOs in WI!
 
Co-leaders use mist nets to capture NSWOs and give each bird a USGS aluminum leg band with a unique ID number. They collect morphometric data such as wing cord and weight to determine s*x and use a black light to determine age of each bird.
 
This fall, the project caught a record number of 228 saw-whet owls!!! They also captured an Eastern Screech-owl, which is the second one in the project’s history (the last one was caught in 2015). Co-leaders are currently looking at how peak timing in migration has changed over time in saw-whet owls.

The Bumble Bee Project! 🐝Our project focuses on studying the behavior and presence of bumble bees in Wisconsin. Last yea...
03/04/2025

The Bumble Bee Project! 🐝

Our project focuses on studying the behavior and presence of bumble bees in Wisconsin. Last year we researched the effects of fire on bumble bee nest-searching behavior. We were able to present our findings at the TWS national conference. We also have done separate outings with volunteers, including going to Mede Wildlife Area to capture and ID bumble bees and other insects. We will be hosting a pollinator workshop in early April focusing on pollinator diversity and we are also looking for co leaders!

Happy FaunaFriday! For this , we will be highlighting the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)! “One of the most com...
02/28/2025

Happy FaunaFriday!

For this , we will be highlighting the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)!

“One of the most commonly known habits of opossums is “playing dead.” When this happens, it will enter a catatonic state. The opossum has no control over this. It appears as if the opossum is dead. Its teeth are visible, and it emits a foul substance, the smell described as corpse-like.”

“The Virginia opossum is a tropical species but during its evolutionary history has gradually moved north. Today they are fairly common in New England and the Upper Midwest, and range into Canada. Climate change has likely played a role but so has the availability of easy food provided by agricultural and suburban areas.”

“Opossums are the only marsupial in North America. Baby Virginia opossums are born hairless and sightless and are about the size of a honeybee. Immediately upon birth, they move into the mother’s pouch. Once in the pouch, they stay there for 50 – 70 days. After 120 days, they depart to live the life of a solitary opossum.”

This photo was sent in by Molly Moder and taken in Stevens Point, Wi!

https://blog.nature.org/2021/05/11/strange-and-surprising-facts-about-opossums/

Wisconsin Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference! 🦉🦌 On February 11-13th many of our members got to attend the WCTWS...
02/24/2025

Wisconsin Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference! 🦉🦌

On February 11-13th many of our members got to attend the WCTWS Annual Meeting in Stevens Point!

We had a great time listening in on symposia, networking, and presenting! We had a number of members present posters and presentations in the general sessions.

A special congratulations to our Vice President, Dana Lotz and Membership Coordinator, Katie Carlson on receiving awards.

Thank you to everyone that attended the conference and helped to get our chapter there!

Happy FaunaFriday! For this , we will be highlighting the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)! “Adults measure from 3...
02/21/2025

Happy FaunaFriday!

For this , we will be highlighting the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)!

“Adults measure from 30 to 40 inches from head to tail, with a 7-8 foot wingspan, and weigh from 8 to 14 pounds. The female is larger than the male. The distinctive white head and tail feathers appear when the eagles mature at 4 or 5 years old.”

“Bald eagles are believed to live 30 years or longer in the wild. They mate for life, building huge nests on the tops of large trees near rivers, lakes, and other wetlands. Adults will often return to the same nest year after year making additions to the nest each year. Some nests can reach up to 10 feet across and weigh up to 2000 pounds.”

“Bald eagle populations started to decline in the late 1940’s coinciding with the introduction of the pesticide DDT. Breeding pairs dropped to about 450 in the lower 48 states. This led to their being designated as an endangered species in 1978. On August 9, 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. As of 2020, there were an estimated 316,700 bald eagles in the lower 48 states, including 71,400 nesting pairs.”

This photo was taken by Sam Stellmacher in Taylor County!

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800 Reserve Street; Trainer Natural Resource Building
Stevens Point, WI
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