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Seasonal Behaviors

Spring

Skunks emerge from hibernation and move across roadways.

Deervehicle accidents increase as year-old deer move to new areas.

Young wildlife are often left alone for hours at a time, leading people to incorrectly believe that they are orphaned.

Summer

Deer fawns are born in early summer and are sometimes left alone in people’s yards. Don’t disturb fawns, the mother is close even if you don’t see her.

Birds sometimes attack people, windows, or vehicles as they try to defend their nests.

Raccoons and opossums may raid improperly secured trash bins.

Fall

Coyotes and foxes take their young out to teach them to hunt.

Young animals leave their parents’ territory to find their own place to live. You may see them wandering through your neighborhood.

Bats may enter houses and other buildings to find a place to hibernate for the winter.

Deer–vehicle accidents peak from October to December.

Winter

Deer, turkey, and coyotes tend to exhibit grouping behavior and often become more daring as conditions for finding food become less favorable.

Deer herds will group together and can cause substantial damage to hedges and ornamental trees.

Rabbits and voles will strip bark off of shrubs and young trees as other food supplies become scarce.

Year Round

Woodpeckers damage the siding of houses. Try to scare the birds away as soon as damage is noticed. Netting can be used to protect siding.

Animals fall into window wells. Place a board into the window well so that the animal can crawl out.

Beavers cut trees and shrubs and build dams that cause flooding of lawns, parks, or golf courses. If the flooding cannot be tolerated, contact a nuisance wildlife control operator to trap the beaver.

Deer-related damage to plants can occur year-round. Use fencing and repellents to control the amount of damage.

Deervehicle accidents can happen any time of year and any time of day or night. Be alert for deer moving across roads, especially in areas where trees are close to the road and during low-light conditions.

Coyotes may prey on pets. Do not leave small pets outside unattended, especially at night.

Deer crossing the road