Maine’s fourth-graders are getting the chance to learn more about some of the state’s better-known animals thanks to a cooperative project.

Over the past two weeks, each fourth-grade teacher in Maine has received 24 copies of “Critters of Maine,” a pocket guide to Maine’s wildlife.

The guide features moose, porcupines, wild turkeys, Atlantic puffins, and spotted salamanders, among other species.

The Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program has teamed with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to send the books to Maine’s teachers.

The WCRP is a federal program designed to fund new wildlife conservation, education, and recreation projects.

Last year Maine was awarded $483,933 in WCRP money, while this year the state received $766,000.

The “Critters of Maine” book will be linked with the Maine studies unit that all fourth-graders undertake. The mailing went to 1,093 fourth-grade teachers at both public and private schools, as well as grade school curriculum coordinators.

The DIF&W also sent the teachers a listing of other educational programs offered by the department.

Other projects in Maine that have been funded with WCRP money include the Southern Maine Town Planning Initiative, the Aroostook Hills and Lowlands Inventory, and a Seabird Outreach program.

Those seeking more information about other educational programs, including Project Wild and the Maine Wildlife Park can contact Lisa Kane at 287-3303. Any fourth-grade teacher who has not received “Critters of Maine” can also contact Kane.

Any-deer drawing Sept. 12

Hunters wondering if they’ll be lucky enough to land an any-deer permit this year don’t have long to wait: The lottery is set for Thursday at 10 a.m.

The state DIF&W will give out 76,575 permits that allow hunters to bag doe and buck deer with antlers less than three inches in length. This is the 17th year of the any-deer permit system in Maine.

Hunters were required to apply for the permit drawing before Aug. 1.

Results of the drawing will be posted on the DIF&W Internet Web site by the end of the day on Sept. 12, and will be published in the NEWS on Friday.