Massachusetts Wildlife Collective

03/08/2023

06/22/2021

Tonight at 8:30

During this monthly evening event geared towards grownups, we invite you to share stories of tracking or trailing wildlife, or just to come and listen.

01/29/2021

It was an exciting day for NRWA staff yesterday when they received this photograph from Kim Abely. Kim had encountered an albino porcupine and was curious to know how often this gene showed up in this particular species. The answer is that only 1 in 10,000 porcupines exhibit albinism so this was a very special sighting! Albinism occurs when both parents carry a rare gene that inhibits the production of the pigment, melanin. Melanin gives skin, hair, feathers etc dark coloration so albino animals appear white, with pink eyes and skin, as blood vessels are visible through the translucent cell walls. Porcupines are solitary, coming together only to mate. The female gives birth to one young - twins are extremely rare - hence the likelihood of both parents carrying the recessive gene is very slim.

For some animals, albinism is dangerous since it makes them highly visible and, as melanin is instrumental in eye development, they have very poor eyesight. Porcupines, however, already have poor vision but possess a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing so this rare specimen is unlikely to disadvantaged at all this winter, and can go about the business of nibbling on evergreens like hemlock and the soft layer of cambium under tree bark. Porcupines exude an odor that can, at best, be described as distinctive, so it already boldly advertises its presence. Since it packs an impressive 30,000 quills, this benign, waddling, mammal has little to fear from all but one predator.

Their vegetarian diet is so low in sodium that porcupines are drawn to our roadsides at this time of year to lick the salt spray. Unfortunately their slow gait is often their undoing. Hopefully, this highly unusual porcupine will serve as an ambassador this winter and encourage drivers to be on the lookout for porcupines on the roads.

12/16/2020

Only 4 more owls left for the Holiday season!

Fun and awesome by local CB!

Check em out! There’re a hoot!

MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE COLLECTIVE

12/10/2020

What’s on your winter reading list? Post up your nature/wildlife inspired reads in the comments!

1/3 the way through this interesting read about the battle between humans and nature.

12/08/2020

Sorry for the delay, here is December’s Featured Photo Winner

What an amazing capture Brendon Curtis!
PM us for your free sticker!

https://mawildlifecollective.weebly.com/blog #/

11/30/2020

Got some more in stock! DM us and we can connect you with the .

11/27/2020

Mini Stickers and Pins are on SALE through Monday!

Get em while they last, limited quantities available.

MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE COLLECTIVE

11/26/2020

Just incase you were thinking about picking up those left over leaves...

As the leaves continue to fall, put down that rake and noisy leaf blower, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the “fall”. Before we continue, full disclaimer, I am guilty of turning on the leaf blower...

11/09/2020

Celebrate the arrival of the with our new Ceramic Mug. 25% of all proceeds will be donated to Joppa Flats and the MA Audubon Society

Celebrate the Snowy Owl in style and add a splash of color to your morning coffee or tea ritual! These ceramic mugs not only have a beautiful design on them, but also a colorful rim, handle, and inside, so the mug is bound to spice up your mug rack. • Ceramic • Height: 3.85" (9.8 cm) • Diamete...

11/08/2020

Hot out of the workshop of artist Cathleen Evette, these owls are already spoken for but more are in the making!