Photo by Jillian Cooper / Getty Images
The days are getting longer and despite the persistent snow and sweater weather, that means many species of fur-bearing animals are going to be looking for food more actively.
Many animals like black bears (males and subadults) and skunks (males) who enter torpor (a type of hibernation) emerge from their dens in late February to early March. Species like beavers, raccoons, and grey squirrels don’t hibernate but stay within their lodges and dens for much of winter, and emerge around this time, too. And other species like coyotes and red foxes who stay somewhat active over winter increase their activity.
Here are a few tips to help prevent negative encounters as winter melts away into spring:
1 Proper waste management. Follow simple steps like using wildlife-resistant trash bins, washing recycling, and keeping waste containers secure until pickup. This can reduce the chance of negative encounters and remind animals that your waste isn’t an easy or ideal food source.
2 Do a house check as weather allows. Winter storms and the freeze/thaw cycle can lead to minor damage to your home that can be exploited by animals seeking a way in for a warm spot. Walk around the house and look for missing roof shingles or tiles, damaged soffit or fascia (the parts where the exterior wall attaches to the roof), and other potential openings. Work with a professional to have these safely closed (do not fully cover exhaust vents as this can lead to serious hazards).
3 Keep dogs leashed and go with them for pee breaks. While most wild animals avoid dogs, our furry family members can be perceived as a threat (they are carnivores) to many fur-bearing animals. By keeping dogs leashed unless in designated areas and staying with them during morning and evening pee breaks will reduce the chances of negative encounters.
4 Never feed wildlife. Providing food to animals can teach them to approach people and return to the same spot for a reward. This causes animals to take increased risks like crossing busy roads, staying nearer people or pets, and not moving to where resources may be more plentiful. It may also lead to animals congregating, which can increase disease transmission.
5 Talk with friends, family, and community. The more people you can share this kind of information with, the more people there are prepared to coexist safely – and that’s a great thing for animals to wake up to this spring!
Remember – it’s a change for them, too. Our behaviours as people change dramatically as the weather shifts, and remembering this can help us appreciate and sympathize with local wildlife.
Do you have tips you like to share about wildlife coexistence in your community? Let us know on our Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky or YouTube channels! You can also stay up to date with more coexistence tips and updates on our educational campaigns and programs by signing up for our eNewsletter (click here).
