Wild Babies On The Loose

What to Know About 5 of Our Closest Wild Friends

As winter gives way to spring, nature begins to prepare for new life. For our wild neighbors, like foxes and bobcats, this is a critical time of year. It’s denning season — a period when these creatures search for a safe place to birth and raise their young. While their presence near our homes can sometimes make us uneasy, understanding their behavior helps us coexist peacefully.

Table of Contents

• What to Know About 5 of Our Closest Wild Friends

• Foxes

• Bobcats

• Black Bears

• Coyotes

• The Pollinators

• Purchase “The Workers”

Foxes

Nature's Clever Parents Red foxes, in particular, are beginning their search for den sites. Typically, this happens from late winter into early spring. Female foxes, called vixens, will soon give birth to their young, known as kits. Foxes often choose den sites closer to human dwellings, and while that might be surprising, there’s a good reason.

Coyotes are a primary predator of young foxes. By selecting den sites near people, foxes are seeking a safer environment. Coyotes generally avoid human activity, so foxes see our presence as a protective buffer against these threats. If you spot a fox or notice signs of a den nearby, there’s no need to worry. Foxes are shy and non-aggressive toward people. They simply want to raise their families in peace.

What Can We Do? Offer Safe Harbor If a fox family settles near your home, consider it a gift from nature. We can support their survival by giving them space and not disturbing the den. Loud noises, sudden movements, or attempts to chase them away can stress the parents and put their kits at risk. Instead, enjoy the rare opportunity to observe these beautiful animals from a distance.

Bobcats

Solitary and Secretive Bobcats, another fascinating wild feline in our region, are also entering their denning season. Female bobcats, known as queens, typically give birth between late winter and early spring. They choose secluded, hidden spots for their dens — often under fallen logs, in rocky crevices, or dense brush.

Though bobcats are larger than foxes, they are equally uninterested in human interactions. They are elusive, primarily active during dawn and dusk, and prefer to avoid us altogether. Their dens serve as secure nurseries where their kittens can grow safely. Like foxes, bobcats are simply doing what they need to survive and protect their young.

Bobcats Are Not a Threat While their wild appearance can seem intimidating, bobcats pose little to no danger to humans. They are not aggressive and will almost always retreat if they sense human presence. As with foxes, the best approach is to respect their space and allow them to care for their young without interference.

Black Bears

Give Them Space Black bears are also emerging from their winter dens with cubs in tow. Unlike foxes and bobcats, black bear mothers require a different approach. While black bears generally pose very little threat to humans, a mother bear with cubs will do everything in her power to protect her little ones. Just as any mother or father would defend their children, a bear will act to ensure her cubs' safety.

If you encounter a bear with cubs, the best thing you can do is give them plenty of space. Stay calm, back away slowly, and avoid any sudden movements. Keep your dogs leashed and under control, as dogs approaching a bear can provoke a defensive response. Respect their need for distance, and both you and the bears will remain safe.

Coyotes

Be Vigilant and Protect Your Pets Coyotes are highly adaptable and intelligent animals that also become more active during this season. While they generally avoid humans, they can be a concern for pets. Coyotes may view small pets as prey, especially during their denning period when they need to feed their young.

If you have coyotes around your property, the best approach is to remain vigilant. Keep small pets supervised, especially during dusk and dawn when coyotes are most active. Avoid leaving pet food or garbage outside, as this can attract coyotes. If you encounter a coyote, make yourself appear large, wave your arms, and make loud noises to scare it away. Never run away, as this can trigger a chase instinct. By taking these precautions, you can minimize conflicts and safely share the environment with these resilient predators.

Living Alongside Wildlife Foxes, bears, coyotes, and bobcats all remind us of the rich biodiversity in our area. By understanding their needs and behaviors, we can better appreciate their role in the ecosystem. Providing a safe and undisturbed environment not only benefits these animals but also enriches our connection to the natural world around us.

Let this denning season be a time of harmony. If you spot a fox, bobcat, bear, or coyote family nearby, know that they are simply seeking refuge and safety. With a little compassion and respect, we can ensure these incredible creatures thrive alongside us.

Before you leave, can we just touch on one more SUPER important thing to remember as we get closer to all of the colors in the yard, the butterflies fluttering by, and the sun…

Can we talk about all of the pollinators?

The Pollinators

As the snow melts and the first hints of spring begin to brighten our landscapes, many of us feel the urge to tidy up our gardens. It can be tempting to cut back the dried stalks, clear away fallen leaves, and prepare for new growth. However, in our eagerness to refresh our outdoor spaces, we may unintentionally harm the very creatures that help those gardens thrive: pollinators.

Early spring is a critical time for bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. After enduring the long, cold winter, these insects emerge hungry and in need of shelter. Dead plants and leaf litter play a crucial role in their survival.

Many native bee species, including solitary bees, overwinter in hollow stems or beneath plant debris. When we remove these seemingly lifeless plants, we may be disrupting their nesting sites before they have a chance to wake up and begin their essential work of pollinating flowers and crops.

Similarly, butterflies and moths often spend the winter in chrysalis form attached to dried stalks, or as caterpillars nestled within leaf litter. Clearing away these materials can destroy their habitats and eliminate the next generation of these vital pollinators.

Leaving dead plants in place through early spring provides more than just a safe haven for insects. It also offers an early source of nectar and pollen. Some plants hold seeds that sustain birds as they wait for warmer weather and more abundant food sources.

So, what can we do to support pollinators as we transition from winter to spring?

1. Delay Garden Clean-Up: Postpone major clean-up efforts until temperatures consistently reach 50°F (10°C). This gives bees and other insects time to emerge safely.

2. Embrace a Little Mess: Leave some leaf litter and dried plant stalks in place. These natural materials can enhance soil health and provide cover for wildlife.

3. Create Pollinator-Friendly Spaces: Plant native flowers that bloom early in the season to provide food for emerging pollinators.

4. Educate and Inspire: Share what you learn with friends and neighbors. Together, we can create a patchwork of pollinator-friendly habitats.

By resisting the urge to tidy up too soon, we can offer a lifeline to pollinators and ensure our gardens flourish in the months to come. This spring, let’s celebrate the beauty of nature’s cycles and give our pollinating partners the support they need to thrive.

Till next time - The Farmington Valley Team

Purchase “The Workers”