Women on bridge Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Women on bridge Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
spring peeper on leaf
Spring Peeper

Nature & Wildlife

In Massachusetts, each season presents new and exciting opportunities to explore and understand our ever-changing landscape and its inhabitants. Here you can find information about commonly encountered wildlife and invasive plants. 

Plants & Animals Found in Massachusetts

Black-capped Chickadee on sumac flowers
Black-capped Chickadee

Birds

Discover the birds—and bird behaviors—you're likely to encounter in Massachusetts.  

Chipmunk with full cheeks © Justin Miel
Chipmunk © Justin Miel

Mammals

From chipmunks to moose, the Commonwealth is home to mammals of all sizes.

Wood Frog (Photo: Tom Lautzenheiser)
Wood Frog (Photo: Tom Lautzenheiser)

Reptiles & Amphibians

They may seem similar, but these two ancient groups have very different (very cool) adaptations.

Butterfly and bee on purple coneflower

Insects & Arachnids

Love them or fear them, insects and arachnids play a fundamental role in nature.

asters - purple flowers
New England Aster

Native & Invasive Plants

Learn to recognize helpful native, and harmful invasive, plants.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird visiting monarda flower (Kristin Foresto/Mass Audubon)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Outdoor Almanac

What does Mother Nature have planned in the coming weeks? Find out with Mass Audubon's monthly guide to the natural world.

Get the Latest

Summer Wildlife FAQs

What do I do if I find a baby bird?

How can I help an injured bird?

What do I do if I find a sick bird?

Why are birds flying into windows?

What do I do if a bird is living in my chimney?

What do I do if there is a bat inside my house?

What do I do if there are carpenter ants inside my house?

What do I do if I found a tick on me?

What was that insect-like hummingbird I saw?

How do I avoid skunks making a den in my yard?

How can I prevent groundhogs (woodchucks) from destroying my garden? 

What do I do if a bird nest is in an odd place?

See More FAQs

Stories from the Field, Forest, & Beyond

  • Three leaved poison ivy growing on ground

    Poison Ivy

    For those allergic to poison ivy, exposure can lead to weeks of discomfort. By learning to recognize and avoid it, you can explore more without the risk of irritation.

  • A porcupine on the grass holding its front two hands together.
    © Darya Zelentsova

    The Truth About Porcupine Projectiles

    A rumor has been floating around for centuries that porcupines can fling their quills at enemies. The truth is a different story.

  • Bird observation building with windows on the other side of a lake. A goose swims near the center.
    Daniel Webster, Marshfield

    Through the Blind: The Best Spots for Wildlife & Bird Watching

    To get a closer look at birds without scaring them away, check out these wildlife blinds found throughout Massachusetts. 

  • A Fish Crow caws atop a tree branch.
    Fish Crow

    Crows vs Ravens vs Grackles

    Noisy and full of personality, crows, ravens, and grackles are very noticeable. But telling them apart is a different story. So just how can you distinguish a raven from a crow from a grackle? 

  • blue bird singing on branch
    Indigo Bunting

    15 Exciting Birds You Can Find in Massachusetts

    Spice up your birding wish list by seeking out the colorful, the rare, and the captivating. Here’s a look at 15 exceptional and unusual birds in Massachusetts—bound to make you say, “wow!”.  

  • A fisher looks over its shoulder by the edge of water.

    3 Shy Animals You're Not Likely to Find

    There are some species of wildlife we can see almost every day. Others, like the bobcat, fisher, or coyote, are a bit more elusive. Learn more about each of these shy creatures and what to do if you do encounter one. 

  • fox on sandy dune with grass
    © Jim O'Driscoll

    Fox vs Coyote

    Most of us only ever catch fleeting glimpses of coyotes or foxes, and these brief encounters can leave us wondering what species we saw. 

Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator

If a bird or animal is really injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

See How

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to many of the frequently asked questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can email a wildlife expert.

Get Answers

Upcoming Programs

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See all programs
Three young adults kneeling on a boardwalk
Broadmoor

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