Details

Published: 27 October 2025

IDNR Report

The Indiana DNR asks the public to report sightings of Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus), an exotic lizard species that is not dangerous and has been observed at several locations across the state.

Please email sightings, especially those backed by photographs, to HerpSurveys@dnr.IN.gov, including the photograph(s). This will help the DNR track locations of this introduced species.

Mediterranean geckos are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and northern Africa. They are 4 to 5 inches long and are tan or pink with brown blotches on their body. They can also be identified by their warty skin, banded tail, and large, bulging eyes that have vertical pupils. The lizards are most active at night and can be observed near outdoor lights, feeding on insects during the warm season, or inside buildings at any time of year.

DNR biologists have received photo-backed reports of Mediterranean geckos in recent years. Most involve a small number arriving as hitchhikers on shipments.

Mediterranean geckos are the most widespread exotic lizard species introduced to the United States. These lizards are closely associated with man-made structures and typically live in and around buildings. They cannot easily spread in Indiana because they need a heated building to survive winter; therefore, they are not considered a threat to Indiana’s natural resources.

For more information on Mediterranean geckos, visit wildlife.IN.gov/wildlife-resources/animals/mediterranean-gecko/.

Details

Published: 22 October 2025

IDNR Report

Indiana Conservation Officers encourage Indiana hunters to donate harvested deer to help feed Hoosiers in need.



“Venison harvested through hunting is an important source of nourishment for Hoosier families,” said Col. Steve Hunter, director of DNR Law Enforcement. “Through Hunt for Hunger, hunters can donate a deer and expand that generous impact to even more Hoosiers in need across the state.”



Hunt for Hunger, a program administered by the DNR Division of Law Enforcement, provides grants to the division’s nonprofit partners, including Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, the Dubois County Sportsmen Club, and Hunters and Farmers Feeding the Hungry, to pay for meat processing fees when hunters donate legally harvested deer.

Participating in the program is simple:

• Enjoy a deer hunting experience.
• Harvest a deer.
• Drop off the field-dressed deer at a local participating processor.
• Processing fees are paid for by Hunt for Hunger (no cost to the donating hunter).
• The processor creates healthy venison burger to distribute to food banks.

The participating organizations notify food banks throughout Indiana when venison is ready to be collected from certified Hunt for Hunger processors. The food banks distribute venison to soup kitchens and food pantries. 

More than 500,000 pounds of venison have been donated by Hoosier hunters since the program’s inception in 2008.
 


For information on donating harvested deer and a list of participating processors, please visit on.IN.gov/huntforhunger.

Details

Published: 21 October 2025

IDNR Report

The Indiana DNR has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a blue-winged teal in Greene County through surveillance conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and DNR Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves. HPAI has also been confirmed as the cause of death in black vultures in Jefferson County and is suspected as the cause of black vulture deaths in Franklin County. 

Signs of HPAI in waterfowl and raptors include:

• Sudden death
• Neurological impairment (e.g., lack of coordination, swimming/walking in circles, tremors, twisted neck)
• Lack of energy and appetite
• Swelling of the head, neck, and eyes
• Nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, lack of coordination, and diarrhea.

If you find wild waterfowl or raptors that are dead for no obvious reason or showing any of the above signs, report it online at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk for HPAI is low. However, it is possible for humans to contract HPAI. Avoid contact with sick waterfowl and other sick wildlife whenever possible. If a carcass must be removed, put on disposable gloves and a mask, double bag the carcass, and place it in the trash. If possible, use a tool such as a shovel to pick up the carcass instead of your hands. Wash hands with soap and warm water immediately afterward.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends that waterfowl hunters process birds in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and wear protective clothing such as a face mask and gloves. Meat harvested from waterfowl should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before consumption.

Reach out to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) if you develop any of the following symptoms after coming in contact with waterfowl: eye irritation or redness, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or rash. Call IDOH at 317-233-7125 during business hours. Outside of business hours, call 317-233-1325 and follow the prompts in the automated menu to speak to the epidemiologist on call. 

Some domestic and agricultural animals are also known to be susceptible to HPAI, including poultry, cattle, and cats. If you have these animals at home, be sure to process and dispose of any harvested waterfowl away from your animals and practice good biosecurity measures. 

For more information on HPAI, visit on.IN.gov/avian-flu.