The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife says 10 cliffs and hiking trails across the state are closed to protect peregrine falcon nesting areas.
Biologist John Buck says peregrine nesting season is well underway and falcons are sensitive to the presence of humans.
Buck says the areas that are closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to the cliff tops or overlooks.
In many cases the lower portions of the trails are still open.
Last year at least 39 peregrine falcon pairs nested in Vermont, producing at least 60 young falcons that left the nest.
Peregrine falcons were reintroduced to the state a generation ago after the previous population was wiped out by pesticides.
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