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Draft 9-16-11 E. Fisheries <strong>and</strong> Wildlife 1. Inventory The topography in <strong>Natick</strong> encourages plant diversity <strong>and</strong> in the undeveloped areas creates cover <strong>and</strong> food for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, <strong>and</strong> fish. For most species, the best habitats are found in areas that are well watered, have abundant understory vegetation, <strong>and</strong> are relatively free <strong>of</strong> human intervention. For some game species, such as white-tail deer or beaver, the size <strong>of</strong> the contiguous range is important. Recently, sightings <strong>of</strong> moose, coyotes, beaver, turkeys, minks, river otter, <strong>and</strong> red fox have become more common. White tail deer frequent the town. Specific wildlife data for <strong>Natick</strong> are not readily available; however, based on the Charles River Corridor <strong>Plan</strong>, Charles River Watershed Association, the presence <strong>of</strong> species listed in Table 9 (Wildlife Species in <strong>Natick</strong>) can be inferred. Birds TABLE 9 WILDLIFE SPECIES IN NATICK Migratory/songbirds: bunting, sparrow, towhee, cardinal, goldfinch, oriole, vireos, <strong>and</strong> warblers (some rare) Birds <strong>of</strong> prey: hawks <strong>and</strong> owls Waterfowl: geese, ducks <strong>and</strong> teal Marsh <strong>and</strong> rium birds/waders: rail, woodcock, bittern (rare), <strong>and</strong> heron Upl<strong>and</strong> game birds: grouse, quail <strong>and</strong> pheasant Great Blue, Black-crowned Night, <strong>and</strong> Green Herons are common along the Charles River. Reptiles/Amphibians Frogs, salam<strong>and</strong>ers (some rare), snakes, toads <strong>and</strong> turtles Small Mammals Beaver, chipmunk, fox, muskrat, otter, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, squirrel, weasel, mink, fisher, <strong>and</strong> coyote Large Mammals White tailed deer Source: Charles River Corridor <strong>Plan</strong>, Charles River Watershed Association Fishing is a very popular recreational activity in <strong>Natick</strong>. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullheads, pickerel, sunfish, <strong>and</strong> white suckers are the primary warm-water species caught. Few <strong>of</strong> the streams in the Charles River watershed, however, are capable <strong>of</strong> supporting natural populations <strong>of</strong> coldwater fish. The region relies on stocking <strong>of</strong> several streams <strong>and</strong> ponds to support a “put-<strong>and</strong>-take” fishery for rainbow <strong>and</strong> brown trout. For example, a total <strong>of</strong> approximately 300 rainbow, brown trout, bass, salmon, <strong>and</strong> tiger muskie are released into Lake Cochituate, Dug Pond, <strong>and</strong> the Charles River annually. The fish-stocking program is managed by the Massachusetts Division <strong>of</strong> Fisheries <strong>and</strong> Wildlife. For updates on the stocking program, go to: http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwrec.htm 38