From cascading mountain streams to placid blackwater rivers, oak-shaded coastal hammocks to windswept mountain ridges, weathered granite outcrops to quiet cypress swamps, Georgia's varied landscape provides habitats for a vast array of wildlife species. As a result, Georgia ranks among the top states in wildlife diversity. The Wildlife Resources Division strives to protect this valuable part of our state's natural history.

News from the Gulf Oil Spill

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and Georgia DNR's Nongame Conservation Section took part in a celebrated event in Brunswick in July as 74 brown pelicans were released after being rescued from the Gulf oil spill. Originally slated to be released in Texas, biologists felt the birds would be too weak after being rehabilated to deal with the pending hurricane. Two days later another group of birds was released from Brunswick.

Also, Georgia DNR Senior Wildlife Biologist and Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Mark Dodd participated in a multi-agency effort to assess the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon spill on sea turtles. The effort coordinated with NOAA, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and DNR was considered a short-term project aimed at 1) assessing the immediate impacts of oil on sea turtles and 2) recovering live turtles from the slick. Read Mark's Q&A about his experience with the burn team here.

He has completed two tours of the Gulf spill area. Read more about his observations.

Click here for photos, additional information and additional updates as they are made available.

Bats and White-nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome has been called “the most precipitous wildlife decline in the past century in North America.” An estimated 1-2 million bats have died from the syndrome since it was discovered among hibernating bats in New York in 2006. Bat death rates of more than 90 percent have been reported at many infected sites. White-nose is spreading toward Georgia but has not been documented here. For more, click on the title above, the links below or call Nongame Conservation Section offices at (770) 918-6411.

• DNR cave advisory, plus Georgia cave closures
• White-nose response plan and informational video
• Decontamination protocol
• Frequently asked questions
• E-mail a question or report bats possibly affected

Support the Georgia Nongame Conservation Section

Did you know that the Nongame Conservation Section of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division is funded solely through donations, grants and fundraising initiatives?

• Support Wildlife Conservation

Application for Passage Peregrine Falcon Quota Permit

Through the framework established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Atlantic Flyway Council, Georgia has been allotted the take of up to two passage peregrine falcons for falconry purposes in 2010. Because DNR rules specify that a majority of permits must go to resident falconers, and this year there are only two permits, no permits will be issued to non-residents. Permits for peregrine falcon capture and possession will be issued by random drawing from among qualified applicants. To qualify, an applicant must be a licensed Master Falconer or a licensed General Falconer with at least five years of licensed falconry experience. Trapping is allowed only in Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden counties, and only from Sept. 20 through Oct. 20.

Permit applications must be received by Sept. 2. Download an application.

Report Bird Sightings

Links to report bald eagle nesting activity and sightings of whooping cranes and swallow-tailed kites.