Seasonal Wildlife Behavior

At Wildlife X Team of Fort Worth, we specialize in humane wildlife control, understanding that wildlife behavior can vary throughout the year. From migrating birds to hibernating creatures, seasonal changes affect how animals interact with their environments and, in some cases, your property. Knowing what to expect can help you stay proactive in preventing wildlife issues and ensure that both you and the animals remain safe and undisturbed.

Here’s a breakdown of seasonal wildlife behavior and how it might impact you throughout the year:

Spring: A Time for New Life and Increased Activity

As temperatures begin to rise, wildlife becomes more active after the dormant winter months. Spring is synonymous with renewal, and it’s also the time when many animals are looking for mates, building nests, and caring for their young.

Animals to Watch: Squirrels, raccoons, and bats are among the wildlife species that become more active during the spring. They often seek shelter in attics, chimneys, or other warm, quiet areas to nest and raise their young.
Behavior to Expect: Mating seasons for many animals start in the spring, which increases their movement and activity. Female animals like raccoons and squirrels are especially protective of their nests, so if you find an animal entering or exiting your attic or walls, it’s likely they’re preparing to give birth.
How to Prepare: Inspect your property for potential entry points. Repair holes, cracks, or gaps in your attic or basement and install chimney caps. If you notice any signs of wildlife activity, it’s best to call a professional to address the situation before babies are born, as removing wildlife with young can become tricky and stressful for the animals.

Summer: Peak Activity and Growth

Summer is typically the most active time for wildlife in Fort Worth. As the weather continues to warm up, animals are busy foraging, raising their young, and in some cases, venturing further into human-populated areas in search of food.

Animals to Watch: Raccoons, skunks, foxes, squirrels, and even birds are active during the summer. These animals are often seen searching for food, water, and shelter.
Behavior to Expect: Adult wildlife is focused on foraging and finding food for their young. You might notice animals like raccoons rummaging through trash cans, or skunks digging for insects in your yard. During this time, they are also expanding their territories.
How to Prepare: Keep food sources like pet food, bird seed, or garbage secured. If you have fruit trees, be sure to clean up fallen fruit quickly. It's also wise to trim back bushes or trees that might give animals access to your attic or roof. If you spot animals, try to avoid disturbing them, as they may be more protective of their young.

Fall: Preparing for Winter and Increased Intrusion

Fall is when wildlife begins to prepare for the colder months. Many animals start gathering food, fattening up, and looking for warm places to shelter. This is also the time when they may try to invade your home to escape the coming chill.

Animals to Watch: Rodents such as mice and rats, as well as larger mammals like raccoons and squirrels, are actively preparing for winter. Birds may begin their migration south, and bats are preparing to hibernate.
Behavior to Expect: As temperatures dip, animals will start searching for warm, safe places to rest. Mice and rats are notorious for finding their way into attics, walls, and basements. Raccoons will also try to find easy entry points to homes, and squirrels may look for places to nest.
How to Prepare: Now is the time to take preventative action. Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks in the foundation, roofline, or around windows and doors. Check attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys. If you see signs of intrusion, such as droppings or gnaw marks, call a professional for humane removal.

Winter: Dormancy and Seek for Shelter

Winter is the time when many animals enter a state of dormancy or hibernation, but some wildlife species remain active, seeking shelter to avoid the cold. You may see fewer animals out in the open, but that doesn’t mean they’re not near your property.

Animals to Watch: In Fort Worth, animals like rats, mice, and opossums may still be active during the winter. Animals that hibernate, like bats, will be inside, often in attics or basements.
Behavior to Expect: Wildlife will be looking for places to stay warm. If an animal gains access to your home during this time, it can be difficult to detect due to reduced activity levels. However, if left unchecked, a winter intrusion can lead to damage from gnawing or nesting.
How to Prepare: While wildlife might seem less active, don’t forget to secure your home and check for signs of entry. Look for droppings, claw marks, or signs of chewing. If you have heating systems like chimneys or vents, ensure they’re properly sealed to prevent entry.

How Wildlife X Team of Fort Worth Can Help

Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, Wildlife X Team of Fort Worth is here to help with humane wildlife control. Our team of experts can provide inspections, prevention, and removal services to ensure that you and your family are safe from wildlife intruders, no matter the season.

By understanding seasonal wildlife behavior, you can take proactive steps to protect your home from unwanted wildlife. If you’re dealing with a current infestation or simply want to take preventative action, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer humane and effective solutions to help you co-exist peacefully with Fort Worth’s diverse wildlife.