New York’s 7 Most Annoying Biting Flies and What to Do About Them

If you’ve ever stepped outside on a warm summer morning in the Adirondacks, hiked a trail in the Catskills, or simply sat on your back porch on Long Island and found yourself swatting at something you can barely see — you already know the problem. New York is home to some of the most relentless […]

25 Common Butterflies in New York State (With Identification Tips)

New York State is home to an astonishing variety of butterfly species — well over 170 in total — making it one of the most rewarding destinations in the northeastern United States for butterfly watching. From the sun-drenched meadows of the Hudson Valley to the pine barrens of Long Island and the wildflower-rich slopes of […]

New York Dove Hunting Regulations: Why No Season Exists and Current Requirements

If you’re planning to hunt mourning doves in New York, you need to understand a critical fact: there is no legal dove hunting season in the state. Unlike many other states where dove hunting is a popular fall tradition, New York has not established hunting regulations for mourning doves because they are not classified as […]

Invasive Insects in New York: What Residents Should Know About 10 Harmful Species

New York State faces mounting pressure from invasive insects that arrived without natural predators to control their populations. These non-native species have cost the state billions of dollars in damage to forests, agricultural crops, and urban landscapes since their introduction. From the emerald ash borer devastating ash tree populations across the state to the spotted […]

10 Stinging Insects in New York (With Photos and Safety Tips)

New York is home to a surprising variety of stinging insects, and knowing the difference between a docile honey bee and an aggressive bald-faced hornet could prevent a painful—or even dangerous—encounter. While most stinging insects won’t bother you unless provoked, understanding their behavior, nesting habits, and peak activity periods gives you the knowledge to coexist […]

Roadkill Laws in New York: Safe & Legal Guidelines for Salvaging Wildlife

You’re driving down a New York road when you spot a freshly killed deer on the shoulder. Can you legally take it home? In New York, you can legally take roadkill home, but you need permission from a law enforcement officer who will write you a tag or permit for big game animals like deer […]

Backyard Chicken Regulations in New York: Everything You Need to Know by Location

Backyard chicken keeping in New York isn’t governed by a single statewide law—instead, regulations vary dramatically from one municipality to another. While some New York cities welcome urban chicken farming with minimal restrictions, others impose strict permit requirements, number limits, or outright bans. Before you invest in a coop and your first flock, you’ll need […]

Pigeons You’ll See Around New York: An Easy Guide to City Doves

You’ve probably noticed pigeons gathering around park benches, cooing on building ledges, or strutting along city sidewalks, but did you know New York is home to several distinct types of pigeons in new york? While many people use “pigeon” as a catch-all term, understanding the differences between these urban birds adds a fascinating layer to […]

9 Herons in New York State: From Harbor Islands to Upstate Wetlands

When you walk along Jamaica Bay’s shoreline at dawn or explore the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge at dusk, you’re entering the realm of New York’s most elegant wading birds. The Empire State harbors nine distinct heron species—from the compact green heron tucked among shoreline vegetation to the statuesque great blue heron commanding shallow waters. Whether you’re […]