Vermonters can contribute to the Nongame Wildlife Fund on their state tax forms to protect wildlife such as the loons and peregrine falcons that are not hunted in Vermont.
State wildlife biologist Steve Parren says each year Vermonters have contributed a total of more than $100,000 since the program was started in 1986. Since then the Department of Fish and Wildlife says common loons, peregrine falcons and ospreys are no longer considered endangered or threatened in Vermont because of the department’s work.
Parren says new challenges include white-nose syndrome that is disseminating bat populations, threats to mussel species, and concerns about fungal diseases that could threaten frogs.