#WildSciPA
Dive into the #WildSciPA playlist to follow PGC biologists in the field — from forests to wetlands — and explore real-world wildlife science, conservation work, and habitat management across Pennsylvania’s landscapes.
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#WildSciPA Woodcock Migration: Science of Wildlife ManagementFollow Pennsylvania Game Commission biologists as they capture woodcock to try and help understand migration paths as well as what habitat is important during migration.
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#WildSciPA Elk Aerial Survey: Science of Wildlife ManagementFly along with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and see how our wildlife biologists estimate populations of the largest ungulate in the state.
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#WildSciPA Elk Corral TrapFollow PGC biologists as they use a corral trap to catch elk to learn more about their habitat usage.
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#WildSciPA Elk Herbivory StudyWhich species are eating regenerating forests: deer, elk, or both? Follow along as the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources test three different types of fencing treatments to better understand how deer and elk affect regenerating forests.
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#WildSciPA Tame GrouseFollow Lisa Williams, retired Pennsylvania Game Commission Ruffed Grouse Biologist, to visit with a "tame" grouse. Discover that tame grouse are not really tame, and the theories behind why they act the way they do.
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#WildSciPA Turkey Egg HuntFollow retired Game Commission turkey biologist, Mary Jo Casalena, as she scours the woods for eggs to answer the question: is West Nile Virus affecting our turkey population?
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#WildSciPA Peregrine Falcon TrackingIt's a mystery what peregrine falcon chicks do when they leave the nest. We’re using nanotags and the MOTUS tracking system to search for answers.
Watchable Wildlife
Check out watchable wildlife videos from the Pennsylvania Game Commission — a captivating look into the state’s animals, habitats, and conservation efforts, bringing to life the sights and sounds of Pennsylvania nature.
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Tracking Snowshoe HaresFollow Penn State Master's Candidate Laura Gigliotti in the field with her research on snowshoe hares. Additional interview with PGC’s small game mammal biologist, Emily Boyd.
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Summer Bear TrappingFollow PGC bear biologist Mark Ternent as he traps bears in summer using culvert traps. Discover what we can learn by marking and releasing bears back into the wild.
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Black Bear Mange Recovery StoryJoin Game Commission biologists and PhD student Hannah Tiffin as they check in on a female bear with mange.
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The Search for the Allegheny WoodratJoin Game Commission biologist Mario Giazzon as he searches for the Allegheny Woodrat, an endangered mammal that lives in rocky, forested habitats.
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Winter Bat Hibernaculum SurveyTake a quick trip into a cave with biologists conducting a winter bat hibernaculum survey in northcentral Pennsylvania.
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Black Bear Cubs in DenGame Commission black bear biologist, Mark Ternent, talks about dens and cubs.
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Peregrine Falcon Nest Box Installation and Nest SuccessPennsylvania Game Commission biologists install a peregrine falcon artificial eyrie to encourage nesting. The attempt was a success!
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Herons 101Join Pennsylvania Game Commission educator and biologist Lauren Ferreri as she surveys and discusses heron rookeries at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.
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Flight to Oblivion: The Extinction of the Passenger PigeonThe passenger pigeon was once the most abundant bird in North America. This webinar explores the reasons for the bird’s demise and how its extinction prompted state and federal legislation that now provides protection to existing migratory bird species.
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Common TernsThe Pennsylvania Game Commission conducted a camera trap survey in June 2016 to monitor common terns attempting to nest at Presque Isle State Park.
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The Race to Save Pennsylvania BatsEmmy Award winning documentary produced by WQED Multimedia in Pittsburgh.
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Pennsylvania Elk: Celebrating 100 YearsFollow the trail of restoring elk to Pennsylvania. In 1911, the Pennsylvania Game Commission began bringing elk back into the state.
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Pennsylvania Bald Eagles: Celebrating 30 YearsIn 1983, Pennsylvania had only three bald eagle nests remaining statewide. With the help of the Canadian government, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and several other states reintroduced bald eagle chicks from Saskatchewan to the Northeast United States. Today, Pennsylvania boasts more than 300 nests. This is the journey of their recovery.
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Bald Eagles and LeadLead in the environment is dangerous to bald eagles. Hunters can help prevent lead from being ingested by avian scavengers in two ways: by choosing to use non-lead ammunition and by burying carcasses and gut piles.
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Osprey 101Join retired Game Commission educator Dan Lynch to learn more about ospreys.
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Brushpiles for WildlifeJoin Game Commission biologist Dan Mummert to learn more about brushpiles as habitat for wildlife.
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How to build a bluebird boxLearn how to put together a bluebird box properly. You can purchase the kit featured in this video, and many other nest boxes and wildlife homes, from the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Howard Nursery.
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Bluebird BasicsLearn interesting facts about the Eastern bluebird, why their population declined, and what you can do to help.
From the Field
Ever wonder what it is like to work with wildlife? From the Field allows you to explore the exciting work of scientists, game wardens, and other wildlife professionals. Check out other From the Field videos. Let us know what topics you'd like to see featured by contacting us at pgceducation@pa.gov!
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What do elk prefer to eat?Join Pennsylvania Game Commission Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield as he discusses how the agency is attempting to determine what elk prefer to eat in order to improve elk management.
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Barn owl & American kestrel ResearchJoin Pennsylvania Game Commission biologists as they band and discuss the purpose of banding young barn owls and American kestrels.
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Mourning Dove Banding & ResearchJoin Pennsylvania Game Commission biologists as they showcase the ins and outs of mourning dove banding. Learn why this biological research is important to the management of Pennsylvania’s most prevalent game bird.
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Elk Check StationJoin Game Commission biologists as they highlight the scientific research that happens each year at the Elk Check Station in Northcentral Pennsylvania. Learn why species management and biological research is important to understanding Pennsylvania’s largest mammal and ensuring the health of their population.
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Northern Saw-whet Owl ResearchJoin the Pennsylvania Game Commission for a collaborative session of #FromtheField, co-hosted by the Ned Smith Center. Volunteers from the center will showcase research efforts on Pennsylvania’s smallest owl: the Northern saw-whet.
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Duck BandingJoin Pennsylvania Game Commission biologists to learn more about duck banding: what is it, why do we do it, and how do we do it?
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Prescribed FireJoin us in the field with a trained and certified burn boss to learn about how the Game Commission utilizes prescribed fire. How does it differ from a wildfire? How does it benefit wildlife and their habitat? Where can I learn about burns taking place on state game lands? And much more!
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Conservation Careers: Field ForesterThere are many careers in conservation. In this video Andy discusses the roles and responsibilities of being a forester for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and gives students advice on how to best orient their experiences, if interested in a similar career path.
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Conservation Careers: Wildlife Diversity BiologistThere are many careers in conservation. In this video Mario discusses the roles and responsibilities of being a wildlife diversity biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and gives students advice on how to best orient their experiences, if interested in a similar career path.
Live Stream Wildlife Cameras
Tune in to the live-stream wildlife cameras on HDOnTap (in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission) to observe eagles, elk, geese, and other Pennsylvania wildlife in real time — a front-row seat to nature from the comfort of home.
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PA Farm Country EaglesJoin the Game Commission in celebrating Pennsylvania’s growing bald eagle population by watching a live feed of two active nests. Eagles return to the same nest each year, and you may see them return in January. The female will likely lay eggs in mid-February, with hatching expected from mid to late March.
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Pennsylvania Snow GeeseCelebrate the snow goose migration in Pennsylvania from Willow Point, located at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County. The best times to see the geese are at sunrise, before they leave to feed, and at sunset, as they return to roost. Late winter attracts the most birds, with thousands stopping here on the way north to breeding grounds.
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Pennsylvania ElkJoin during September and October to view the elk rut from State Game Lands 311 in Elk County. The best time to see elk on camera is late in the afternoon.
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Peregrine FalconSponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, enjoy the peregrine falcon cam! Peregrine falcons have made their home year after year on the 15th floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Four cameras stream full-time and year-round to give a glimpse into the life of these magnificent creatures.
Wildlife Storytimes
Perfect for younger audiences, join Game Commission educators for fun and engaging wildlife storybook readings.
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Beavers by Deborah HodgeSit down for storytime with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enjoy a reading of Deborah Hodge’s book, Beavers. Learn about one of nature's most amazing engineers.
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The Pests that Girdle the Home of Tucker the Turtle by the Potomac Highlands CWPMASit down for story time with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enjoy a reading of the CWPMA’s book, The Pests that Girdle the Home of Tucker the Turtle. Learn about invasive species and how they harm native plants and animals.
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The Wildlife DetectivesSit down for story time with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enjoy a reading of The Wildlife Detectives: How forensic scientists fight crimes against nature.
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Fawn at Woodland WaySit down for story time with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enjoy a reading of Kathleen Weidner Zoehfelds book, Fawn at Woodland Way. Learn about one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable mammals, white-tailed deer.
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BatsSit down for storytime with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enjoy a reading of Gail Gibbons’ book, Bats. Learn about the fascinating, flying mammals of the night sky.
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Monarch ButterfliesSit down for storytime with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enjoy a reading of Gail Gibbons’ book, Monarch Butterfly. Follow it from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly.
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Raccoon at Clear Creek RoadSit down for story time with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and enjoy a reading of Carolyn Otto’s book, Raccoon at Clear Creek Road. Learn about nature’s bandit, the raccoon.
StoryMaps
Explore interactive storymaps that blend maps, images, and narration to guide you through Pennsylvania’s wildlife, habitats, and conservation stories.