Nevada Department of Wildlife

Nevada Department of Wildlife

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NDOW is the state agency responsible for the management of Nevada's fish and wildlife resources.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife’s (NDOW) social media pages are used for educational and informational purposes. They are a place for users to learn, network and socialize in a fashion that is depicted by our social media comment guidelines. Our social media pages are a considered a community and part of being a community means users are expected to be a good community members. We welcome questi

06/05/2026

What's in your backyard?

At first glance, the shaggy shape perched in a tree above Nevada’s Humboldt River might look like a strange nest or even a cat. However, the spiky silhouette gives it away; it’s a North American porcupine.

These slow-moving rodents spend much of their lives in trees, nibbling bark to keep their ever-growing teeth trimmed, and relying on a remarkable coat made of insulating fur, oversized guard hairs, and up to 30,000 barbed quills for protection.

Despite their fearsome appearance, porcupines are peaceful herbivores that would rather hiss, stomp, or rattle their quills than fight.

Surprisingly, they can be found throughout forested areas in central and northern Nevada. Contrary to popular belief, they are not able to shoot their quills.

Baby porcupines, or porcupettes, are born with soft quills and are able to walk around within hours of birth.

To learn more about living with Nevada’s wildlife, check out these resources: ndow.org/learn-discover/wildlife-discovery/living-with-wildlife/

06/05/2026

🐟 Fish Friday: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

Nevada's state fish is hard to miss once you know what to look for.

The Lahontan cutthroat trout is known for the vibrant red-orange "cutthroat" slash beneath its jaw, along with dark spots and beautiful copper, olive, and golden colors. While lake-dwelling fish are often silvery, trout found in Nevada's streams can be brilliantly colored and heavily spotted.

Native to the Lahontan Basin, this iconic species has called Nevada waters home for thousands of years and remains an important part of Nevada's outdoor heritage.

We'd love to see your catches. Submit your fishing photos for a chance to be featured on NDOW's social media channels: ndow.org/photo-submission/

06/04/2026

🎣 Looking for a Free Fishing Day event in northern Nevada?

Join us June 13 at Sparks Marina or Idlewild Park for a day of fishing, family fun and opportunities to get outside.

Thanks to Rotary Club of Sparks, the first 1,200 kids at Sparks Marina will receive free fishing rods, tackle and bait. At Idlewild Park, the first 150 kids will receive free fishing gear while supplies last.

No fishing license is required.

Event details and registration ⬇️
ndow.org/events/reno-kids-free-fishing-day-idlewild-park/

Photos from Nevada Department of Wildlife's post 06/03/2026

Bass, bass, and more bass! 🐟

Have you been looking to sharpen your bass fishing skills in eastern Nevada? Join NDOW Angler Education Instructors for a two-day introductory bass fishing clinic, designed for anglers looking to expand beyond trout in Nevada's warmwater fisheries. Suitable for anglers ages 12+. The clinic is free, but you must register in advance!

REGISTER HERE: https://nevada.events.licensing.app/em/events/4574

📅 Part 1: Wednesday, June 10 | Bass Fishing 101 (classroom portion)
🕙 6pm - 7:30pm
📍NDOW Elko Office

📅 Part 2: Friday, June 12 | Fishing South Fork Reservoir
🕙 8am - 12pm
📍South Fork State Recreation Area

06/03/2026

June Grab & Go Kits are now available at your local NDOW office!

This month’s kit features Vadamon Playing Cards, a wildlife-themed card game where Nevada’s wildlife species face off to see who comes out on top. Learn about local wildlife while battling friends and family with unique animal abilities and stats.

These kits are free of charge and include instructions and all the supplies needed to play. Available while supplies last, so stop by your local NDOW office and pick one up today!

06/03/2026

🎣 Looking for a Free Fishing Day event in southern Nevada?

Join NDOW, WHIN and Boulder City Elks Lodge at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City on June 13 for a morning of fishing, prizes, free hot dogs and drinks.

No fishing license is required, loaner gear will be available and staff will be on hand to help anglers of all experience levels get started.

🏆 Pre-register for a chance to win prizes during the 9:45 a.m. drawing. Must be present to win.

Event details and registration ⬇️
ndow.org/events/free-fishing-day-2026-boulder-city/

06/02/2026

During a recent bear response in Reno, wildlife staff and law enforcement worked together to safely resolve a situation involving a young black bear that had climbed into a tree.

A special thank you to Reno Police Department Officer and drone pilot Jason Pruyn, whose aerial footage provided responders with a unique perspective during the incident and helped support the coordinated response effort.

Every wildlife situation is different, and response methods are carefully evaluated based on public safety, animal welfare, location, and the bear's behavior.

If you encounter a bear, give it space and avoid approaching it. While hazing can be an effective tool in some situations, it should only be done from a safe distance and in appropriate circumstances. Please do not use drones to approach or pursue wildlife.

Neither the bear nor any people were injured during the brief incident.

Send a message to learn more

06/02/2026
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Location

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Reno, NV

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm