Do:

• Report observations of six or more dead birds using the DNR’s Eyes in Field reporting form or calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
• Clean bird feeders every one-two weeks in a 9:1 solution of water and bleach, scrubbing away any debris.
• Wear gloves while cleaning feeders and thoroughly wash hands when finished.
• Let feeders dry fully before refilling.
• Fence in your feeders, if possible, to prevent deer access and reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease.
• Remove and disinfect feeders if sick or dead birds are found.

Don’t:

• Handle or attempt to capture sick or dead birds.
• Let your pets near bird carcasses.
• Place seed directly on the ground or use platform feeders, which attract large numbers of birds, deer and rodents.
• Feed wild birds if you have backyard poultry.

Visit Michigan DNR’s HPAI Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the virus and how you can help keep Michigan’s birds safe.

Learn more about Michigan birds and backyard bird feeding tips at MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds engages Michiganders in caring for public lands vital to birds and communities.

This spring, we’re looking for:

• More than 1,300 summer park workers and many seasonal park rangers.
• 30 seasonal park interpreters to lead activities and present fun programs tied to each park’s unique natural and cultural resources as part of the explorer guide program.
• Dozens of nature educators who can deliver engaging, hands-on programming for K-12 students at visitor centers and for the Nature Awaits fourth grade field trip program.

For many, working with the DNR is a unique and rewarding experience. Whether the duties are in an office, in the field or on the water, it’s about helping people connect with and enjoy our state’s natural resources and outdoor stories! Get a glimpse of several DNR positions (including park interpreter and park ranger) in the Michigan DNR Careers video playlist.

All DNR jobs

In addition to these opportunities, there are postings for positions such as license sales technician, marketing strategist and fisheries census clerk. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRJobs for more information about these active DNR job openings, and check back often for updates.

While coyotes are an integral part of our ecosystem, some residents may see them as a nuisance.

“If there’s an unwelcome coyote in the area, look for possible attractants that might make the area appealing,” said Rachel Lincoln, a wildlife outreach coordinator with the DNR Wildlife Division.

“Is there a nearby patch of woods or natural area that provides shelter? Are there food sources, such as bird feeders, that attract small mammals or an abundance of rabbits?” Lincoln said. “Where possible, modify or remove the things that are attracting coyotes or the small mammals they prey on.”

It could be as simple as removing bird feeders and keeping trash cans indoors until the morning of trash pickup. This short video on “hazing” tactics provides ideas you can try to help maintain coyotes’ natural fear of people and reduce opportunities for coyotes or other animals to get used to finding ready food sources.

If you’ve tried these tactics but coyotes still hang around your property, or you’re concerned about their presence in the area, contact a nuisance wildlife control business for help. These businesses are permitted by the DNR to remove certain wildlife, including coyotes, from private property.

If hunting is allowed in your area, coyote hunting and trapping seasons are available statewide. Check local laws and review the statewide hunting and trapping regulations for coyotes in the current Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary at Michigan.gov/Trapping.

Learn more about coyotes and how to handle conflicts with wildlife at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.