Wildlife
Lake Cobbossocontee is the largest lake in the Winthrop Lakes Region with a surface area of 8.7 square miles, maximum depth of 100 feet, and 62 miles of shoreline. Found in, on and around this habitat is an array of wildlife that call it home. No need for a TV here. Just pull up a chair (or a kayak) and look around. There is a show every day. Keep a pair of binoculars handy!
Loons
Cobbossee's loon count is down!
Two years ago we counted 84 adult loons; but this past summer (2022) we only saw 73.
Two years ago, there were 8 chicks; but this past summer we only found 2.
Maine Audubon is working hard to reverse this trend. Last year they started the Maine Loon Restoration Project to increase loon nesting success and decrease loon mortality -- and Cobbossee is part of the pilot program!
Two of the biggest threats to loons are boat wakes washing out their nests and the use of lead fishing tackle.
Click here to read more.
Observing Loons; How close is too close? Click here to find out more.
FISH
Maine is divided into two fishing zones with Lake Cobbossee listed in the South Zone offering ice and open-water fishing year-round. There are 15 species of fish found living here. A fishing license is required however there are two Free Fishing weekends each year.
Free fishing days are February 18-19, 2023 and June 3-4, 2023. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days.
For more on Fishing in Maine, click here.
BIRDS
According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, birds have feathers, have wings, are warm-blooded, and lay hard-shelled eggs. All birds have a beak with no teeth, a four chambered heart, and a lightweight but strong skeleton. Maine has 292 species of birds though not all can be found here on Lake Cobbossee.
For more info on Maine Birds, click here.
Mammals
Included in the wildlife living in the habitat surrounding our beautiful lake is an abundance of large, medium and small mammals. Due to the ecological regions of Maine, the state is able to support a variety of plant life and living conditions which sustains a diverse population. Deer, fox, beaver, mink, muskrat, squirrels and chipmunks are common to see.
For more info on Mammals in Maine, click here.
Reptiles
Maine has seven turtle and nine snake species. We have encountered both here! Currently, there is one endangered snake, one threatened turtle and two endangered turtle species.
Learn more and sign up to help here.