Wildlife Love is in the Air

Springtime Means Love is in the Air for Wildlife

I know. It’s hard to imagine after recent snowfalls that the season where trees bud and birds begin to chirp again is already here. These signs let us know that the time to enjoy the great outdoors is just around the corner. And I can tell you, I can’t wait! Soon, you will walk out into the fresh air and you will smell spring everywhere.

And with spring’s arrival, love is, truly, in the air.

In fact, nature awakens from its winter slumber to bring us the activity of wildlife looking for love.

Skunks

A sure sign that spring is here is the distinct smell that only a striped skunk can emit as these animals emerge periodically during warm spells looking for that special someone during late February through March. As they encounter unwelcomed contact with other roaming critters (like our pets!) during their quest for love, they will protect themselves by spraying a foul odor that will take some time to rid. This odor is reminiscent of rotting roots.

Woodchucks & Groundhogs

They are not the only ones that smell love’s call. Woodchucks or groundhogs, true hibernators, sleep when the first heavy frost hits and then wake up at spring, beginning their quest for love from February through March. As is true for all animals, the love pheromone will activate the hunt for love. Woodchucks and groundhogs are most active in the early morning and evening hours. A cool fact: They have been known to climb trees as high as 20 feet as they explore, although they will usually stay anywhere from 8 to 12 feet from the ground.

Raccoons

The raccoon will catch the scent (pheromones) for love in the air as well, and will also begin its quest for just the right someone. Raccoons only sleep during the coldest days, and become active in milder times. Raccoons, already busy mating during January and February, birth during March through May, with late breeding females between June, July and August.

During this resurgence of activity, unwanted confrontations with these love seekers may occur as they search for that nice warm and cozy honeymoon suite. If you find that they have selected your home as their perfect spot, call in the experts to remove these lovebirds for you. After all, the last thing you want to do is intrude and be the one to come in between the young love of two members of your neighborhood wildlife.