Can You Smell It

As you walk out into the fresh air you can smell it everywhere. It’s the time when trees begin to bud and the birds let us know that the time has come to enjoy the great outdoors. The long awaited start of spring is finally here (I guess you can tell I’m not a winter person). Nature awakens from its winter slumber bringing us the activity of wildlife looking for love.

A sure sign that spring is here, is that distinct smell that only a Striped Skunk can emit. As they emerge periodically during warm spills looking for that special someone (late February through March). Interestingly, they are not true hibernators but will sleep deeply for up to three and a half months and as the weather warms, they become more active (as our noise will agree).

But, they are not the only ones that have heard spring’s alarm to awaken. Woodchucks or Groundhogs (true hibernators, they sleep when the first heavy frost hits through spring) begin their quest for love (February through March). They are most active in the early morning and evening hours. Here is a cool fact you may not have known about these interesting creatures: they have been known to climb trees as high as twenty feet, although they will usually stay anywhere from eight to twelve feet from the ground.

Another animal making an appearance this spring is the masked Raccoon. Their nocturnal behavior may lead us to believe that they have been hibernating during those cold winter days. However, they will only sleep during the coldest days being active on milder days. Raccoons have been busy mating during January and February and begin birthing during March through May, with late breeding females between June, July and August.

During this resurgence of activity is when unwanted confrontations may occur as these various critters search for new dwellings. You may be wondering what you can do to assure that their love den is not your home. Can you smell it, then it’s time to give us a call. Click here to fill out our form and order your free inspection!

So as that fresh sent of spring is everywhere as you begin to enjoy the outdoors, remember you’re not alone.