Fish and Wildlife

Indian Lake
Fish & Wildlife

Send us your photos!

We know that Indian Lake and Little Indian as well as the surrounding neighborhood are home to many different species of aquatic life and wildlife including swans, great blue heron, eagles, turtles, coyotes, fox, fisher cats, beavers and a variety of fish. 
Feel free to send your wildlife photos to indianlakeboard@gmail.com
 

WORCESTER ANGLER EVENT SERIES A HUGE SUCCESS!


The Indian Lake Watershed Association was thrilled to be a part of the first ever Worcester Angler Event Series!!


The series consisted of free virtual and outdoor, fishing-themed events which ran from February to September. An additional Learn to Ice Fish event took place in February 2022 by popular demand and it was a great success.


This series was a collaboration between the city of Worcester Lakes and Ponds Program, the Indian Lake Watershed Association, Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association and Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association. Other collaborators included Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation, MassWildlife, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Lake Quinsigamond Commission.


Missed an event? All the virtual events are posted at the following like and can be viewed free of charge: www.wooanglerseries.com


Thank you to everyone who made the Worcester Angler Event Series a success!

 

WORCESTER FISHERIES HISTORY & IMPROVEMENT PROJECT


The ILWA was proud to collaborate with our friends at Lake Quinsigamond, Coes Pond, Bell Pond and the Worcester Lakes & Ponds Division to move the Worcester Fisheries History & Improvement Project forward. Originally part of a collaborative grant application to evaluate and improve our waterways as a key component to support healthy fish habitat, we developed an Angler's Survey which was released in the spring of 2020. Two amazing WPI students, Daniel Botelho and Mustafa Eracar, took the ball in promoting this survey, doing an analysis of the results and laying the groundwork for engaging the public in fishing opportunities and educat ion. As an Independent Qualifying Project, Daniel and Mustafa had the unique challenge of accomplishing the project objectives in a 'virtual' format and they truly knocked it out of the park! The Angler's Survey attracted nearly 250 respondents in the early stages of a pandemic! 

While the grant was ultimately not successful year, the city of Worcester made a commitment to move this project to the next level based on the amount of interest and the importance of opportunities to engage the public in the health of our waterways. 

Results of the Angler's Survey were compared to past state surveys to help develop plans for short and long term goals to improve our city fisheries. 

Thank you to all who participated in our Angler's Survey. A very special thanks to our WPI students Daniel and Mustafa!

Coyote Sightings

Over the last several years, residents have reported more frequent coyote sightings in the neighborhood. Thus it's important to stay informed and vigilant: 

Coyotes have been known to go after cats and small dogs, as well as garbage cans, compost, and pet food found on residential properties. It's always important to keep a close eye on pets outdoors and make sure trash receptacles are secure. 

If a coyote is observed in the daytime that shows no fear of humans, is exhibiting aggressive or rabid- like behavior, contact the police department immediately. (508) 799-8606 or 911

The link below provides additional information on coyote concerns:

Pacu at Indian Lake 

As the summer of 2020 came to a close, a local angler pulled a Pacu from Indian Lake. While these fish look very similar to piranha, they are notably different. While they are not native to this country, they are available in tropical fish stores for aquariums. They grow quite large for the average aquarium and thus the owner quite possibly thought the lake would better accommodate the fish. 

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pacus are not dangerous to people and they cannot survive the winter here. These fish are native to tropical and sub tropical habitats that are very warm

Here is an article from National Geographic that addresses the rumor of them being predatory to humans: 

      
Releasing fish like this into the wild is illegal and if anyone sees anyone doing this they should report it to the Massachusetts Environmental Police immediately. 
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