Massachusetts Wildlife Alert: The Dangerous Pests You Need to Watch Out For Right Now

From the Cape and Islands to the Berkshires, here is what you need to keep an eye on right now.

1. Black Bears: The Eastward Expansion

MassWildlife has officially reminded residents that, as of April 2026, the State black bear population has grown to over 4,500. While once confined to the western part of the state, bears are now regularly spotted in Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, and even east of Route 495.

• The Conflict: Hungry bears are emerging from their dens this month and are bypassing natural foods like skunk cabbage for easy meals in residential yards.
• The Rule: Take down your bird feeders immediately. Bears will prioritize bird seed over acorns and nuts. If a bear identifies your yard as a food source, it will lose its natural fear of humans, creating a dangerous situation for the bear and your family.
• Pet Safety: Check your yard before letting dogs out. A dog's presence can trigger aggressive defensive behavior in a bear.

2. The 2026 Tick "High Risk" Forecast

State specialists are warning that nymphal deer ticks may have a higher prevalence of Lyme disease this year. Following a trend in which larval activity was pushed later into last fall, the resulting nymphs emerging this April and May are more likely to be infected.

• The Nymph Warning: In April, ticks are in their tiny nymphal stage—the size of a poppy seed. They are responsible for the majority of tick-borne illnesses because they are so difficult to see.
• The "First" Tick: The first deer tick of the 2026 season was officially recorded on March 9th, and activity has spiked this month despite the late-March snowfall.
• Action: Wear light-colored clothing and perform a thorough "tick check" every time you return from a walk or yard work.

3. Spotted Lanternfly: The "Nymph" Phase

MDAR has confirmed that the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) has established local infestations across several parts of Massachusetts. As of mid-April 2026, the transition from eggs to nymphs is underway.

• What to Look For Now: You are looking for nymphs—small black insects with white spots. They are active now, but can be difficult to spot on your plants.
• The Danger: They target grapevines, hops, and fruit trees, threatening Massachusetts' local breweries and orchards.
• Action Plan: If you see nymphs, "squish and smash" is the standing order. Report any sightings or remaining egg masses (which look like gray, mud-like smears) to the MDAR online database.

4. Box Tree Moth: The Barnstable and Norfolk Alert

A new and serious threat to Massachusetts landscaping has emerged this spring. The Box Tree Moth has been detected in communities within Barnstable County and in Brookline (Norfolk County).

• The Danger: This invasive caterpillar can completely defoliate and kill boxwood shrubs, a staple of New England gardens.
• Detection: Look for heavy webbing and bright green caterpillars with black stripes inside your boxwoods.
• Rule: If you suspect an infestation, take a photo and report it to the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project. Do not move boxwood clippings to other towns.

5. Venomous Neighbors: Endangered Emergence

Massachusetts is home to two venomous snake species, both of which are currently active as of April 2026. Because both are listed as endangered by the state, the focus is on mutual safety and conservation.

The Copperhead is limited to small populations in Norfolk and Hampden counties. They are emerging from their winter dens (hibernacula) right now and spend their first few weeks basking on rocky ledges during the day.

• Look For: Hourglass-shaped bands that are narrow on top and broad on the sides.
• The Timber Rattlesnake. These are also emerging this month in mountainous or rocky areas. They are generally shy and will only rattle or strike if they feel cornered.
• Safety Fact: It is illegal to harass or kill these snakes. If you see one, back away slowly. Most bites occur when people try to touch, move, or kill the snake.

6. Aggressive Wild Turkeys

It is currently breeding season for wild turkeys in Massachusetts (March through May). This month, you may notice an increase in intimidating behavior from male turkeys.

• The Behavior: Turkeys may puff out their feathers, fan their tails, and follow people. They sometimes peck at shiny objects like car bumpers or windows, interpreting their own reflection as a rival.
• Prevention: Never feed wild turkeys. If one approaches you, do not back down—act aggressively, wave your arms, and make loud noises to maintain your "dominance" and keep them at a safe distance.

Summary Checklist for Massachusetts Residents

• Stop Feeding Birds: Keeping bird seed out is the #1 way to invite bears and aggressive turkeys into your yard.
• Inspect Boxwoods: Especially if you live on the Cape or near Brookline, check for the Box Tree Moth.
• Check for "Mud": Scrape off any Spotted Lanternfly egg masses from your car before traveling to the Berkshires.
• Secure Livestock: Use electric fencing to protect backyard chickens and beehives from hungry spring bears.