Seneca Nation Conservation - Fish & Wildlife

02/20/2026

UPDATE: OWNER HAS BEEN LOCATED AND THE DOG HAS BEEN RETURNED. THANK YOU ALL FOR SHARING

This guy was picked up in Steamburg, if this is your dog please call dispatch at 716-945-2779.
He has orange collar with a light on it.

02/13/2026

Save the date for the upcoming free Rabies clinic for your pets. Registration is required so sign up today to RSVP your spot for your location.

10/30/2025

Remember the date.

10/09/2025

Another successful release in the books! None of this would be possible without the care and concern of our community, our dedicated officers, and most importantly without the help of our friends at Messinger Woods Wildlife Care and Education Center. They are an all volunteer nonprofit organization, dedicated to rescuing and rehabbing wildlife. If anyone would like to help make a difference, please consider donating to their organization.

10/02/2025

Asking for donations : if anyone has any old blankets throw size and up , please consider donating to our department. This helps with our trapping for officer and animal safety. They can be left on our porch . We appreciate any help we can get.

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09/28/2025

Reminder

09/02/2025

Way to go Nate!

08/05/2025

Still looking for owner. If this is your dog call dispatch at 716-945-2779.

07/30/2025

UPDATE: THIS GIRL TURNED HERSELF BACK IN TO US. She was found in our open kennel today.
She is safe.

ATTENTION Jimtown community, we were cleaning out the kennel and this girl ran out and into woods behind our office. We are looking for her, but if you have sightings of her please call ASAP to dispatch.

**We are aware she was originally caught at Sassy's**

07/29/2025

Found around Sassy's on 219/I86 area. If this is your gal, please call our dispatch at 716-945-2779. Let's get her home.

06/24/2025

We need your help!

The Seneca Nation Conservation - Fish & Wildlife is asking the public while on your adventures this summer if you spot a wood turtle, please call our office ASAP @ 716-945-8155 (on TERRITORY only) Please provide the location of the sighting.

We are asking the public PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THE TURTLE/TURTLES. CALL OUR OFFICE WITH THE SIGHTING. LEAVE THEM BE, we only need a sighting and location call ASAP. 👀👀

Are Wood Turtles rare?
Yes, wood turtles are considered a rare and an ENDANGERED species, especially in certain regions, including Western NY.
Here's why wood turtles are considered rare:
Habitat loss and fragmentation:

Wood turtles rely on specific stream habitats and surrounding areas for foraging, nesting, and overwintering. Land development and road construction fragment and destroy these habitats, limiting their range and isolating populations.
Road mortality:

Wood turtles are vulnerable to roadkill as they travel across roads to access different areas, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Predation:

Nest predation by raccoons and other animals is also a significant threat, especially at roadside nesting sites.
Pet trade:

In the past, wood turtles were sometimes collected for the pet trade, further depleting their populations.
Climate change:

Climate change can also affect wood turtle populations by altering water levels and temperatures in their stream habitats.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect wood turtles:
Many states have laws and regulations to protect wood turtles and their habitats.

Conservation organizations are working to maintain and enhance suitable habitat, protect nesting sites, and educate the public about the importance of wood turtle conservation.
Some efforts involve reintroducing captive-bred wood turtles into the wild.

Why we want sightings:

The Seneca Nation F & W in Allegany are currently collaborating with a joint project to rear and release wood turtles on Seneca Nation Territory. The department (us) will tag and monitor the turtles movements. In the Spring/Summer we would like to gather the female turtle and take her to the The Buffalo Zoo, so they can lay their eggs in a controlled environment. After the egg laying process is complete the female is then released back to its original home range on Seneca Nation lands. The turtle eggs are cared for , hatched and fed under the Zoo's tutelage & juvenile turtles are released back on the territory to help with the low populations. Released turtles are tagged and monitored for movements and survival rates.

These efforts will allow the SN Fish & Wildlife department to determine home ranges and population numbers. Knowledge of this information will allow the department to make future plans for habitat improvement and protection projects.

Again, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THE TURTLE/TURTLES. CALL OUR OFFICE WITH THE SIGHTING.

06/20/2025

We have hot weather coming in the next few days.
Hot weather can be dangerous for pets. It's crucial to take precautions to keep them safe during high temperatures. Provide ample fresh water, ensure they have access to shade, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Never leave pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, as temperatures can quickly become lethal.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Hydration is Key:
Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water, especially when temperatures are high.
Consider adding ice to their water bowl to help keep it cool.
Provide water even when indoors, as pets can dehydrate quickly.
2. Shade and Cooling:
Ensure pets have access to shade when outdoors, whether it's from trees, umbrellas, or tarps. Dog houses can actually intensify heat, so they are not recommended as a primary source of shade.
If possible, bring pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day, especially if they are small, older, or have brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
Be mindful of hot surfaces like asphalt, which can burn their paws.
3. Exercise with Caution:
Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
If you must walk your dog, carry water and be aware of signs of overheating.
4. Never Leave Pets in Cars:
Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly and become deadly within minutes, even with the windows cracked.
If you see a pet in a parked car, contact the authorities (non-emergency police or animal control) or ask for an announcement if in a store.
5. Recognize Signs of Overheating:
Excessive panting, drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea can be signs of heatstroke.
If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cool place, wet their coat with cool water, and contact a veterinarian immediately.

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