Wildlife | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

Practical wildlife advice you can trust

Providing information, programs and training grounded in research to help people, agencies and other stakeholders learn about sustainably manage wildlife.

Featured Programs

Biggest Little Pollinator Garden

Nevada Naturalist

Eagles & Agriculture

Featured Informational Publication

Winter Bird-Friendly Garden Tips

Some tips for providing habitat for birds during the winter months. Creating a bird-friendly garden is a good way to provide wildlife habitat in urban and suburban areas. Plus, birds help keep lots of garden pests in check.

Read more about this Informational Publication

All Wildlife Programs

Biggest Little Pollinator Garden

The Biggest Little Pollinator Garden is located on the campus of University of Nevada, Reno near the Fleischmann Agriculture Building. The garden is maintained by U.S. Fish and Wildlife; University Arboretum Board; University Facilities; University Museum of Natural History; Nevada Bugs and Butterflies; College of Science; and College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources faculty, staff, students and volunteers.

Conservation & Sustainability

Extension offices provide support and research for many conservation initiatives throughout the state of Nevada. In addition, a partnership with Nevada's Conservation Districts has been formed which assists both organizations with the overall vision of Conservation for the state of Nevada while providing additional education and resources to help conserve Nevada's natural resources.

Eagles & Agriculture

Eagles & Agriculture is a multiday celebration of agriculture to teach about agriculture and the benefits it provides to wildlife and the community. The program, a collaborative effort that began in 2003, encourages the conservation and prosperity of ranching in western Nevada, teaches participants about wildlife and the history of agriculture in Carson Valley, and creates an agritourism model that enhances the profitability of local farming and ranching businesses.

Master Gardener Native Plants Demonstration Garden

Members of the Master Gardeners of Washoe County's Native Plants Committee maintain a small demonstration garden on the west side of Extension, Washoe County Office.

Nevada Naturalist

This program educates adult volunteers who educate others and engage in environmental projects in southern Nevada.

Nevada Youth Range Camp Program

Most of Nevada’s youth live in large urban environments, with little exposure to rangelands, forests or agricultural environments, and the products and services rangelands provide. This program teaches students ages 14-18 how to read maps; identify and the importance of rangeland plants; evaluate sagebrush, woodland and stream ecosystems; wildlife habitat; and many other topics related to rangelands.

Wildlife Related News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports


Add plants to attract hummingbirds Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be done by adding specific plant species. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
Aquatic Habitat Condition Index, Stream Type, and Livestock Bank Damage in Northern Nevada The quality of stream habitat varies for a variety of natural and anthropogenic reasons not identified by a condition index. However, many people use condition indices to indicate management needs or even direction... Myers, T. J. and S. Swanson 1991, Water Resources Bull., 27(4):667-677
Bats - Essential Members of the Southern Nevada Community Bats can frighten people, although they are so important to most communities, both as pollinators and as insect eaters. This fact sheet explains bat behavior and gives people the information they need. O'Callaghan, A. M. 2001, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-01-53
Channel changes in burned streams of northern Nevada In the Great Basin, frequency of large-fire is increasing. To better understand fire and riparian system interactions, we studied pre- to post-fire changes in ten riparian attributes of a randomly sampled reach of forty three streams burned within a three-year period... Kozlowski, D., Swanson, S. R., Schmidt, K. 2010, Journal of Arid Environments 74(11), 1494-1506.
Climate Change Impacts in Nevada Summarized in this fact sheet are specific details about how climate change has already and will continue to impact the state of Nevada and strategies that can be used to prepare for these changes. McAfee, S., Restaino, C., Ormerod, K., Dettinger, M., McEvoy, D., Kalansky, J., Cayan, D., Lachniet, M., Moser, S., VanderMolen, K., Wall, T. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-06
Climatic influences on establishment pulses of four Artemisia species in Nevada. Hourihan, E., Schultz, B. W., Perryman, B. L. 2018, Rangeland Ecology and Management, Volume 71, Issue 1, January 2018, Pages 77-86
Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife This fact sheet discusses ways to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife, and focuses on vertebrate animals, or animals that have a backbone. Carpenter, J., Donaldson, S., and Hefner, M. 2011, University of Nevada Extension, FS-2011-40
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony Fire Safe Chapter Smith Valley There are proven steps that homeowners can take to improve the odds of human life and home survival during wildfire. The purpose of this publication, “Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony” is to promote and teach these steps. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2012, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-12-03
Graduate student scientist wins award, Bonnycastle Fellowship for waterfowl research Madeleine Lohman garners best talk at prestigious regional conference, earns field's most respected fellowship Andrews, A. 2020, Nevada Today
Hunting-Related Economic Activity in Nevada A County-Level Analysis of the Economic Activity Associated with Big Game and Upland Game Hunting in 2020. A. Bowman, M. Taylor, T. Harris, B. Borden 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Impactos del Cambio Climático en Nevada En este artículo, se resumen detalles específicos sobre cómo el cambio climático ya ha afectado y seguirá afectando al estado de Nevada y las estrategias que pueden utilizarse para prepararse para estos cambios. McAfee, S., Restaino, C., Ormerrod, K., Dettinger, M., McEvoy, D., Kalansky, J., Cayan, D., Lachniet, M., Moser, S., VanderMolen, K., Wall, T. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-06
Influence of Livestock Grazing Strategies on Riparian Response to Wildfire in Northern Nevada In 1999-2001 wildfires burned 1.13 million ha across northern Nevada, burning through many grazed riparian areas. With increases in wildfire frequency and extent predicted throughout the Great Basin, an understanding of the interactive effects of wildfire, livestock grazing, and natural hydrologic characteristics... Dalldorf, K. N., S. R. Swanson, D. F. Kozlowski, K. M. Schmidt, R. S. Shane, and G. Fernandez. 2013, Rangeland Ecology and Management, 66(1):34-42
Integrated Lentic Riparian Grazing Management Managing lentic riparian areas for functionality is a legal, policy, sustainability, sage grouse & common sense requirement. Yet this work has been neglected without an effective integrated riparian management process (IRMP) such as Dickard et al. (2015) described for lotic riparian areas... Sherman Swanson, 2016, Eds. Iwaasa, Alan, H.A. (Bart) Lardner, Mike Schellenberg, Walter Willms and Kathy Larso. In: Proceedings 10th International Rangelands Congress, July 18-22. Saskatoon, SK, Canada. 10(2.3-5):454-456
Kids Know Nevada Insects: Monarch Butterfly I am the monarch butterfly! I am found all throughout the United States and even southern Canada. I am most well-known for the yearly trip back and forth (called a migration) that I make every fall and spring. Monarchs in Nevada and other western states head to the coast of California, but those in the east head all th Burls, K., Newton, J. 2015, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Know Nevada Insects Youth Exercise: Sphinx Moths This publication reviews the life cycle, biology and pest management of some kinds of sphinx moths, including the tomato hornworm, appropriate for youth ages 8-15. It It also has educational activities including a fill-in-the-blank and a maze. Burls, K., Moffitt, M., and Newton, J. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS 19-15
Know Nevada Insects: Aphids This publication explains the biology and general management of aphids, one of the most common garden pests in Nevada. There are many alternatives to chemicals when treating aphids, including using native predators and protecting plants with lightweight physical covers. Burls, K. and H. Kratsch 2020, University of Nevada, Reno, FS 20-30
Know Nevada Insects: Monarch Butterfly The monarch butterfly is perhaps one of the most iconic butterfly species in North America, and it can be found throughout Nevada in the summertime. Learn about Monarch lifecycle, catepillar host plants and damage, threats and conservation and resources. Burls, K., Newton, J. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-17-13
Know Nevada Insects: Orange Sulphur Butterfly I am the orange sulphur butterfly! I can be found in all of the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. I fly most of the summer, from May to October, in Nevada. Learn about my life cycle, why I'm important and what I eat. Burls, K., Newton, J. 2015, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Know Nevada Insects: Orange sulphur butterfly - Colias eurytheme (Boisduval) The collective research on the description and life cycle of orange sulphur butterfly. Including the damages done by caterpillars and integrated pest management as a result of it. Burls, K. and Newton, J. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet 17-15
Know Nevada Insects: Sphinx Moth This publication reviews the biology of caterpillars commonly called hornworms, including the tomato hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata, which can be a common pest of tomato plants in Nevada. Integrated pest management techniques for controlling caterpillars are also discussed. K. Burls and J. Newton 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS 19-16
Long-term aquatic habitat restoration: Mahogany Creek, Nevada, as a Case Study We compared the recovery from abusive grazing of aquatic habitat due to different range management on two geomorphically similar rangeland streams in northwest Nevada... Myers, T. J. and S. Swanson. 1996, Water Resources Bull., 32(2):241-252.
Medusahead A Threat to Your Wildlife, Rangelands and Pasture Medusahead is an introduced annual grass from the Mediterranean area of Eurasia. This invasive weed grows on at least 6,000 acres in Paradise Valley, Nev., where it occupies disturbed areas but can also invade optimal habitat used by mule deer, sage grouse, other wildlife and livestock. Schultz, B. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-16
Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: Effects on Sagebrush-Dependent Wildlife Pinyon-juniper encroachment of sagebrush ecosystems impacts many wildlife species through loss of habitat. This fact sheet provides information on how decreasing food and cover with encroachment harms sagebrush-dependent wildlife. Putz, T., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-119
Planning for Plant Growth using the Grazing Response Index Planning tool for managing grazing to enhance herbaceous plant (e.g. perennial grass) growth by evaluating season, duration and intensity of grazing. S. Swanson and J.C. Cervantes 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Practical Grazing Management to Maintain or Restore Riparian Functions and Values. Successful rangeland management maintains or restores the ability of riparian plant communities to capture sediment and stabilize streambanks. Management actions are most effective when they are focused on the vegetated streambank closest to the active channel, the greenline, where vegetation most influences erosion... Swanson, S. R., Wyman, S., Evans, C. 2015, Journal of Rangeland Applications/University of Idaho, Rangeland Center, 2, 1-28.
Public knowledge of free-roaming horses in the United States. To provide BLM managers with insights regarding the U.S. public knowledge about the management of Wild Free-Roaming horses in the U.S., we surveyed the public's knowledge of the ecology and management of WFR horses.Our results highlight the need for improved outreach and communication effort regarding this issue. Frey, S.N., Scasta, J.D., Beck, J.L., Singletary, L., and Snell, L.K. 2022, Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 30. (D.M. Woods, Ed.)
Sage Grouse Biology McAdoo, J.K., Back, G.N. 2001, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-01-43
Sage Grouse Habitat Requirements Description of breeding, nesting, brood and rearing habitats, and seasonal habitats. McAdoo, J.K., Back, G.N. 2001, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-01-44
Sheep Grazing and Riparian Watershed Management A critical measure of grazing management success is the functional capacity of rangeland watersheds and riparian ecosystems. Legal mandates for water quality, the increasing demands for water and the importance of riparian areas for recreation, fish and wildlife habitat and their contribution to biodiversity... Glimp, H. A. and S. Swanson. 1994, Sheep Research Journal, Special Issue: 65-71.
Stream Morphologic Impact of Recovery from Major Flooding in North-Central Nevada Major floods caused channel changes ranging from complete cross sectional change to small fluctuation in pool area. We used cross-section data on 30 heavily grazed rangeland streams in North Central Nevada to assess changes over a climatically variable 14-year period... Myers, T. J. and S. Swanson. 1996, Physical Geography, 17(5):431-445.
Synergistic monitoring for adaptive management: Nevada sagebrush ecosystems For many years, land managers and scientists have been applying a variety of land treatments to improve or protect rangeland ecosystems. Collectively, we have studied the response of these treatments and wildfire events to identify opportunities for maintaining or improving Nevada sagebrush ecosystem health... Swanson, J., Swanson, S. R., McCuin, G., Mcadoo, J. K., Schultz, B. W. 2011, Pages 187-190. In: Monoco, Thomas A.; Schupp, Eugene W.; Pendleton, Rosemary L.; Kitchen, Stanley G.; Palacios, Patsy K. comps. 2011. Proceedings - Threats to Shrubland Ecosystem Integrity. May 18-20 Logan, UT 16th Wildland Shrub Symposium. Vol. XVII. S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney Natural Resources Res
U.S. Public Opinion of Reproductive Control Options for Free-roaming Horses on Western Public Lands This research provides an objective, novel insights into public knowledge and perceptions concerning the population control of free-roaming horses on designated western rangelands. Frey, S. Nicole; Beck, Jeffrey L.; Scasta, John Derek; and Singletary, Loretta 2022, Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 16: Iss. 2, Article 6
Unconfined Compressive Strength of Some Streambank Soils with Herbaceous Roots Streambank stability requires that bank strength exceeds destabilizing forces, including compressive forces from sources such as trampling and foot traffic... Kleinfelder, D., S. Swanson, G. Norris, and W. Clary. 1992, Soil Sci. Soc. of Am. J., 56(6):1920-1925.
University-trained firefighter volunteers to help Australia Rangeland Ecology and Management Program student and Bureau of Land Management Nevada firefighter Matt Petersen joins international taskforce Andrews, A. 2020, Nevada Today
Using native plants to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects - workshop and plant giveaway These workshops in Reno and Elko will cover the fascinating ecology of our native pollinators and how to use native plants to provide critical habitat for them and pest control services for you. In addition, there will be a plant giveaway at the end of the workshop! Burls, K.J. and H. Kratsch 2021, University of Nevada, Reno Event Calendar
Venomous Reptiles of Nevada (2007) Nevada is home to six venomous snakes and one venomous lizard. This publication is designed to be used in the classroom and in the field and explores each rattlesnake species and the one lizard species in depth. Included is information about habits, features, size and where in the state they live. Robinson, M.L., Conrad, P.M., and Ryan M.M. 2007, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-07-07
Venomous Reptiles of Nevada (2020) Venomous Reptiles of Nevada - This is an updated and expanded publication based on previous extension publications. It is intended to be used as reference material in the classroom, as well as in the field. Photographs and other materials have been upgraded to make identification more precise. Jones, J., Robinson, M. L., McKeever, B., and O'Callaghan, A. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, SP-20-13
Western Land Managers will Need all Available Tools for Adapting to Climate Change, Including Grazing: A Critique of Beschta et al. In a previous article, Beschta et al. (Environ Manag 51(2):474-491, 2013) argue that grazing by large ungulates (both native and domestic) should be eliminated or greatly reduced on western public lands to reduce potential climate change impacts... Svejcar,Tony, Chad Boyd, Kirk Davies, Matthew Madsen, Jon Bates, Roger Sheley, Clayton Marlow, David Bohnert, Mike Borman, Ricardo Mata-Gonza`lez, John Buckhouse, Tamzen Stringham, Barry Perryman Sherman Swanson, Kenneth Tate, Mel George, George Ruyle, Bruce Roundy, Chris Call, Kevin Jensen, Karen Launchbaugh, Amanda Gearhart, Lance Vermeire, John Tanaka, Justin Derner, Gary Frasier, Kris Havstad, 2014, Environmental Management
What Grows Back After The Fire In the aftermath of wildfire, many homeowners are alarmed by the sudden change in appearance of the wildland vegetation surrounding their homes. At this time, a frequently asked question is "Will it grow back?" This fact sheet describes the response of some common northern Nevada rangeland plants to wildfire. Smith, E., Davidson, J. 1996, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. FS96-40
Wildlife Diversity in Sagebrush Habitats (FS-03-65) McAdoo, J.K., B.W. Schultz, and S. R. Swanson. 2003, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-03-65
Winter Bird-Friendly Garden Tips Some tips for providing habitat for birds during the winter months. Creating a bird-friendly garden is a good way to provide wildlife habitat in urban and suburban areas. Plus, birds help keep lots of garden pests in check. Jensen, C. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
YHEP: Conservation, Ep 01: Joshua Trees Join YHEP instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he explores the relationship between Joshua Trees and their exclusive pollinators and how you can take part in the conservation of a Mojave Desert icon! Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
YHEP: Conservation, Ep 02: Joshua Trees Join YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he guides you through the process of growing a Joshua Tree from seed as part of a conservation effort to help save the Joshua Trees (and their very specific pollinators)! Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
YHEP: Conservation, Ep 03: Monarch Container Gardens Join YHEP Instructor Ian Ford-Terry as he shows you how you can help protect the Monarch Butterfly by planting native milkweeds at home! Ford-Terry, I. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel