Wildlife
Seasonal Reminders:
Use the tabs below to learn more about seasonal wildlife reminders:
Nesting seasons for most birds are in the spring and summer. Finding a baby bird on the ground or another spot where it does not belong, can be very concerning.
When you come across a baby bird out of its nest, it is important to determine if the bird is a hatchling, nestling, or fledgling.
A hatchling is a bird that has recently hatched from the egg. Hatchlings look more like newborns: they have no hair, and their eyes are closed. Typically, if a hatchling is on the ground, it is likely that it’s fallen out of the nest due to weather or another nest disturbance. If you find a hatchling on the ground, they need help, since they are unable to fend for themselves and will likely die without assistance.
A nestling is slightly older than a hatchling but is still not capable of being on its own. If you find a nestling on the ground, they will need help as they are, like hatchlings, vulnerable to weather, predators, and malnourishment.
A fledgling is older than nestlings (typically around two or more weeks old). They have their eyes open and have already begun to develop feathers. They are still learning to fly and are often found on the ground hopping and flitting around after a failed flight attempt. If you find a fledgling on the ground, it is likely that they do not need rescuing.
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According to the New York State Department of Conservation:
During the early winter months in New York State, coyotes are on the prowl. Because this time of year is coyote mating season, they tend to attack small animals. The attacks are caused because the mating coyotes become hungry and are very protective. Coyotes calling out in the night sound like wounded dogs; they do this to lure animals (pets) to them.
Coyotes' peak mating season is currently underway. It runs from January to March. The pups are born around April and May. Conflicts between dogs and coyotes are likely to happen in March and April, while coyotes are preparing their dens for their pups. They become very territorial during this time.
In general, coyotes view other canines (dogs) as a threat. Essentially, it comes down to a territorial dispute between your dog and the coyote. Both believe that your yard is their territory.
- Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior: stand tall and hold your arms up or out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, then make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks and stones.
- Do not leave pet food outside as it could potentially attract coyotes.
- Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise all outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable.
- Fenced yards may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level and taller than four feet.
- Remove brush and tall grass from around your home to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide.
- Coyotes are not just attracted to small animals and pets, they are attracted to bird feeders, as well. The reason is that these bird feeders attract squirrels or small outdoor animals.
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Most deer species give birth in the spring! Mother deer (does) leave fawns alone for several reasons, including to rest, eat, and hide from predators.
Did you know? It is illegal to take a fawn from the wild.
If you encounter a fawn, keep your distance. Fawns have the best chance of surviving if they are left alone, as does perceive humans as predators and will not return to their fawn if people are nearby.
When fawns are approached, they lower their heads, lie very still, and take fewer normal breaths, as natural defenses. They are not sick or injured.
If a fawn shows any of the five Cs, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately:
- Crying
- Cold
- Coming toward you (approaching people)
- Covered with blood/insects
- Caught by a dog or cat
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Foxes breed only once a year, most mating occurring in January or early February. Courting foxes can be heard barking or uttering unearthly screams. Springtime signals the arrival of wildlife offspring in our area, including fox pups. Fox pups are usually born in March or April, within an average litter of three to six pups. They are weaned after 12 weeks.
Fox parents often move their young to new dens every few weeks to protect them from predators. Both red and gray foxes are largely active during dawn and dusk hours but are also nocturnal. However, it is not uncommon to see either species foraging during the day, especially during breeding season. Foxes tend to be opportunistic feeders, consuming small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, and poultry.
All ground-level openings into poultry buildings should be sealed and doors closed at night. Poultry yards and coops without subsurface foundations may be fenced with three-foot wire mesh. Secure the fence to the building and bury the bottom of the fence two or more inches with an apron of net wire extending at least 12 inches outward from the bottom.
Foxes can be excluded from window wells or similar pits with wire-mesh or window-well covers. Place beehives on stands three feet high. Install aluminum guards around the bases of hives if foxes attempt to climb the supports.
Foxes adapt to urban and suburban areas. They are afraid of humans and will typically avoid them unless habituated or sick. Do not feed foxes or try to domesticate them.
In rare cases, foxes may carry rabies. If you or your pet is bitten by a fox, call your doctor, veterinarian, or local Health Department immediately.
Foxes can carry mange, a skin disease caused by parasitic mites. Mange is communicable to other animals and people, but not without close contact.
Dens
Foxes den in burrows, wood piles, and hollow trees. Decks and outbuildings with crawl spaces should be secured to prevent foxes from establishing dens under them. If foxes do make a den in one of these spaces, allow them to stay until the young are two months old and begin accompanying the adults on hunts, if possible. If you need the foxes to move sooner, then you can encourage them to move out using repellents, such as soap shavings, vinegar, commercial fox repellants, or coyote urine.
If there are young present, the adults will need to locate an alternate den and return to remove each pup. Trying to live trap and "relocate" a family of foxes is a futile effort and usually ends up creating orphans.
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A baby rabbit has the best chance of survival if cared for by its mother.
Cottontail rabbits generally nest from March through September. Average litter size is 4-5 baby rabbits and rabbits have about 3-4 litters per season!
Rabbit nests are found in shallow depressions on the ground (cottontails do not burrow), covered with soft grasses and lined with tufts of the mother rabbit's fur. Mother rabbits do not want to draw attention to their nests so it is rare that you will see mothers coming and going from a nest. Mother rabbits feed their young at dusk and dawn.
If there is a rabbit nest in your yard, please exercise caution while mowing. Do not attempt to mow within ten feet of a rabbit's nest if there are babies present. Plastic lattice laundry baskets may be placed over a nest during mowing to protect it.
Rabbits are a sensitive and high-stress species. Never chase a rabbit to capture it and handle it as little as possible. Do not give food or water to injured or orphaned rabbits, as they have sensitive stomachs.
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In May and June, drivers should be on alert for turtles crossing the street. Although turtles are well-adapted to their natural environment, as they can retreat into the safety of their shell when threatened by predators, a turtle's shell provides no protection against being struck by vehicles while crossing roadways.
In New York State, thousands of turtles are killed each year as a result of being struck by vehicles as they migrate to their nesting areas. All eleven species of land turtles that are native to New York State are declining.
If you see a turtle on the road, please observe the following precautions to avoid hitting it:
- Do not swerve suddenly or leave your lane of traffic, but take care to avoid hitting turtles.
- If you see a turtle in the road or shoulder and you are able to safely stop your vehicle and approach the turtle, please consider moving it to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it is facing.
- If moving a turtle, pick it up by the sides of its shell. Picking up a turtle by its tail may frighten or injure it.
- Do not take the turtle home with you. All turtles native to New York are protected by law and cannot be collected without a permit.
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How to help a turtle across the road
Wildlife squatters generally seek shelter under decks, porches, and sheds during the spring months. It is much cheaper and easier to prevent than to remove wildlife squatters. These structures are appealing to wildlife because they are safe and are usually in close proximity to a food source.
If animals do move in, Webster Animal Control prefers that families are left alone until offspring are mobile. The mother will then naturally take them from the den to learn how to be their species. After they have departed, measures can be taken to seal or fill the den location to make it uninhabitable.
Please note: Webster Animal Control does not trap or remove wildlife from personal property and does not have humane traps to rent. Humane wildlife removal is the responsibility of the homeowner. You must contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Officer to have wildlife legally removed or relocated from your property. There is a moderate fee associated with removal of nuisance wildlife or trapping and relocation of wildlife.
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WILDLIFE CONCERNS:
The Town of Webster and the WPD Animal Control Unit is not involved in the population or disease management of native wildlife.
This is the jurisdiction of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.