Resources, Sources & Image Credits

Companion resources for A Dog Owner's Guide to Southeastern Massachusetts Wildlife. Links are grouped by topic and include the guide page where each QR code appears.

Wildlife Encounters & Coexistence

Guide page 3

Dogs & Coyotes: What You Need to Know

Project Coyote

Open resource https://projectcoyote.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Dogs_Coyotes.pdf
Guide page 3

Protect Your Pets from Coyotes and Other Wildlife

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/protect-your-pets-from-coyotes-and-other-wildlife
Guide page 4

Eastern Coyote Profile and Comparison Graphic

Project Coyote

Open resource https://projectcoyote.org/act/learning-hub/coyote-profile/
Guide page 5

Prevent Conflicts with Black Bears

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/prevent-conflicts-with-black-bears
Guide page 6

Learn About Skunks

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-skunks
Guide page 7

Rabies Prevention and Control

CDC

Open resource https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html
Guide page 7

Rabies Information and Exposure Guidance

Massachusetts DPH

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rabies
Guide page 8

Mange in Wildlife

Cornell Wildlife Health Lab

Open resource https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/resource/mange
Guide page 8

Understanding Seasonal Molting

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/molting
Guide page 9

Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-wildlife-rehabilitator
Guide page 9

Raptors and Small Pets

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Open resource https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/should-i-worry-that-my-small-five-pound-dog-might-get-attacked-by-a-hawk-or-owl/
Guide page 9

Baby Birds Out of the Nest

Mass Audubon

Open resource https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/birds/baby-birds-out-of-the-nest
Guide page 10-11

Snakes of Massachusetts

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/snakes-of-massachusetts
Guide page 10-11

Frequently Asked Questions About Rattlesnakes in Massachusetts

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/news/frequently-asked-questions-about-rattlesnakes-in-ma

Pet Health & Outdoor Hazards

Guide page 12

How to Protect Your Pooch from Harmful Algal Blooms

U.S. EPA

Open resource https://www.epa.gov/habs/how-protect-your-pooch
Guide page 12

Harmful Algae Blooms in Freshwater Bodies

Massachusetts DPH

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/harmful-algae-blooms-in-freshwater-bodies
Guide page 12

Leptospirosis in Pets

CDC

Open resource https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pets/index.html
Guide page 12

The Facts About Heartworm Disease

U.S. FDA

Open resource https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/keep-worms-out-your-pets-heart-facts-about-heartworm-disease
Guide page 12

Heartworm Prevention for Dogs

American Heartworm Society

Open resource https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-prevention-for-dogs
Guide page 12

Preventing Ticks on Pets

CDC

Open resource https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/preventing-ticks-on-pets.html
Guide page 12

Tick-Borne Disease Prevention

Massachusetts DPH

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention
Guide page 12-13

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List for Dogs

ASPCA

Open resource https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
Guide page 12-13

Animal Poison Control Center

ASPCA

Open resource https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
Guide page 13

Plant Identification App

PictureThis

Open resource https://www.picturethisai.com/

Trail Etiquette & Responsible Recreation

Guide page 14

Dogs in DCR Parks and Off-Leash Areas

Massachusetts DCR

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/guides/dogs-in-dcr-parks
Guide page 14

Why Leashing Protects Your Dog

National Park Service

Open resource https://www.nps.gov/chat/learn/news/keep-your-furry-friends-safe-leashing-dogs-at-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area.htm
Guide page 14

Why Dog Waste Matters

MassDEP

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/doc/source-protection-fact-sheet-protect-local-drinking-water-pick-up-your-dogs-waste/download
Guide page 14

Hands-Free Waste Carrier (product example, not sponsored)

Dog Doo Tube

Open resource https://dogdootube.com/products/doo-doo-tube-blue
Guide page 14

Fishing Line Recycling

Town of Southbridge

Open resource https://www.ci.southbridge.ma.us/413/Fishing-Line-Monofilament
Guide page 14

Pack, Recycle and Report Gear

NOAA Marine Debris Program

Open resource https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/how-help/water
Guide page 14

Find Legal OHV Trails

Massachusetts DCR

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-state-park-ohv-riding-trail
Guide page 14

OHV Safety & Trail Protection

Massachusetts DCR

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recreation-vehicle-safety-regulations-at-massachusetts-forests-and-parks
Guide page 14

Trail Safety During Hunting Season

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-tips-for-non-hunters
Guide page 14

Check Current Hunting Regulations and Seasons

MassWildlife

Open resource https://www.mass.gov/hunting-regulations

Photography, Artwork & Image Credits

Unless another credit appears below or in the guide itself, original photography is © 2026 Renee Visuals Media. Creative Commons and public-domain images may have been cropped, had backgrounds removed, or otherwise been edited for layout.

Feature photographs and wildlife images
  • Eastern coyote p. 4
    John Stockla / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. View source file
    File: Eastern Coyote In Connecticut.jpg. Subject listed as eastern coyote / Canis latrans var.; New Haven County, Connecticut. Background removed or edited for layout.
  • American black bear p. 5
    Ryan E. Poplin, 2007 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0.
    American black bear (Ursus americanus) at Pittsburgh Zoo. Background removed for layout.
  • Striped skunk p. 6
    K. Theule, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0.
    Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Background removed for layout.
  • Healthy winter red fox p. 8
    ClaudiaTen, 2022 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. View source file
    Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) photographed in Rautas fjällurskog Nature Reserve, Sweden. File: Portrait of a red fox in Rautas fjällurskog (cropped).jpg. Cropped for layout.
  • Red fox undergoing seasonal molt p. 8
    Michael Nerrie, 2014 / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
    Photographed at Distant Hill Gardens, Walpole, New Hampshire. Background removed for layout.
  • Red fox with sarcoptic mange p. 8
    Juan Lacruz, 2011 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0.
    Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) affected by sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei).
  • American robin feeding fledgling p. 9
    Bdbox, 2018 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.
    American robin (Turdus migratorius) parent feeding a fledgling on the ground. Cropped for layout.
  • American robin fledgling p. 9
    M. L. Haen, 2012 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0.
    Baby American robin fledgling on the ground looking up at a tree. Cropped for layout.
  • Blue-green algae p. 12
    Christian Fischer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0.
    Image used in the water-hazards section.
  • Blacklegged tick p. 12
    Scott Bauer / USDA Agricultural Research Service / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain. View source file
    File: Adult deer tick(cropped).jpg. Subject listed as blacklegged tick / Ixodes scapularis. Background removed or edited for layout.
  • Gull entangled in discarded fishing line p. 14
    © 2026 Renee Visuals Media.
    Animal control was contacted and safely freed the bird.
Track diagrams and comparison graphics
  • Coyote tracks p. 4
    Renee Visuals; New Hampshire Fish and Game / National Park Service.
  • Black bear tracks p. 5
    Renee Visuals; New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
  • Striped skunk tracks p. 6
    Renee Visuals; Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services / Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Coyote size-comparison graphic p. 4
    © Project Coyote.
Snake identification table
  • Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
    Rstanton13 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. View source file
    File/source: Crotalus horridus Stanton 5.jpeg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
    Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Viperidae- Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen (Copperhead) - 48441350266.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
    Peter Paplanus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) (17130316660).jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
    Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Colubridae- Coluber constrictor constrictor (Northern Black Racer) - 35531003662.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
    Cody Hough / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0. View source file
    File/source: Diadophis punctatus edwardsii4.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Eastern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus)
    Rstanton13 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. View source file
    File/source: Carphophis amoenus Stanton 6.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
    Peter Paplanus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) (40682943834).jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis)
    Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Colubridae- Opheodrys vernalis (Smooth Green Snake) - 48040894468.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
    Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Eastern Rat Snake - Pantherophis alleghaniensis, Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton, Virginia, April 12, 2019 (53120661028).jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • DeKay's Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)
    Robert Aguilar / Smithsonian Environmental Research Center / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Storeria dekayi SERC 10-01-08 (12746714413).jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
    Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Northern Water Snake - Nerodia sipedon, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge, Virginia (37145211412).jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
    Chris Falt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Redbelly Snake - Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus)
    Patrick Randall / Misenus1 / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
    File/source: Eastern Ribbon Snake, Thamnophis sauritus sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), in situ. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
    Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Colubridae- Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Eastern Garter Snake) - 42474924611.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
Toxic plant identification table
  • Rhododendron / Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
    Pwoli / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. View source file
    File/source: Azalea Rhododendron spp..jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Yew (Taxus spp.)
    hedera.baltica / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Yew berries (50578142398).jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
    H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0. View source file
    File/source: Convallaria majalis 0001.JPG. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
    Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain. View source file
    File/source: Close-up of foxglove flower spike (Digitalis purpurea).jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
    Huw Williams / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain. View source file
    File/source: Pokeberries.png. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
    Guido Gerding / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0. View source file
    File/source: XN Solanum dulcamara 00.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
    John from Tulsa / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0. View source file
    File/source: Daffodil-flower.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
    Retired electrician / Wikimedia Commons / CC0. View source file
    File/source: Tulipa 'Apeldoorn Elite' 2017 02.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
    Petr Vodička / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. View source file
    File/source: 2 Colchicum Autumnale.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
  • Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
    Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0. View source file
    File/source: Ricinus March 2010-1.jpg. Image cropped, background removed, or otherwise edited for layout where noted in the guide.
© 2026 Renee Visuals Media