Daylight Saving happened on March 10 and the official start of spring will follow soon be here on March 20. Humans welcome the arrival of longer days and warmer temperatures, as do many species of wildlife.
For animals, milder weather means increased security. During the cold months, wildlife may struggle to survive. Freezing temperatures can be life-threatening if the proper shelter is not available, and the food is often scarce. Some species, such as chipmunks, ground squirrels, and bats, hibernate during the winter and wait for the start of spring. They may sleep for days or weeks at a time, dramatically lower their heart rates and body temperatures, and eat infrequently or not at all.
How Animal Behavior Changes in the Spring
With the arrival of spring, things change dramatically. Animals that hibernated wake from their slumber and search for food. Many of them also seek mates or give birth to offspring that were conceived during the colder months.
Spring is the ideal time for wildlife to give birth and raise their young. The warm temperatures make it easier for babies to regulate their body temperature, which increases their chance of survival. The pleasant weather also means that food is plentiful, which gives mothers the strength to nurse their young until they are ready to eat other foods.
How Changes in Wildlife Behavior Can Affect Humans
You might notice squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and other animals foraging for food in your yard or digging through your trash. You can discourage animals from taking up residence in your yard by not making food sources available. Put out your trash as close as possible to the collection time and use metal trash cans with lids. If animals have knocked over your trash cans or removed the lids to get to food scraps, weigh down the lids with heavy objects. If you feed pets outdoors, give them food at specific times and then remove the dishes to avoid attracting wild animals.
Wildlife might seek shelter in your yard, inside or under a shed, or even in your house. Animals that have decided to give birth and raise their young inside your attic or crawlspace can create several problems. They can leave urine and feces that can affect human health. Animals might also chew through wood, drywall, and electrical wires, causing damage to the house and possibly even sparking an electrical fire.
How to Deal with Animals in Your House
If you think animals might be living inside your house, contact the professionals at Anderson Wildlife Control. We have the training and experience to deal with a variety of situations. We will remove and relocate the animals, as long as doing so would not endanger the health and safety of babies.
