Springtime Wildlife in New Canaan [Q&A]

With springtime just around the corner, New Canaan residents should prepare to see changes in the wildlife around town. March 20, spring’s official start, marks the beginning of the environment’s transformation and with it, changes in animal species and their behaviors around town.  

We put some questions about the changes out to Officer Sean Godejohn, head of New Canaan Police Department Animal Control section.

Here’s our exchange:

New Canaanite: What should New Canaanites be on the lookout for when spring begins?

Animal Control Officer Sean Godejohn: As spring begins, residents should be aware of ticks that carry Lyme Disease especially when hiking or walking in woody or grassy areas. Residents should check themselves and their animals after hiking. Residents should also wear long pants and hiking boots in areas where ticks are prevalent. Residents should protect their outside animals with topical medications. 

Also, residents should be aware of mosquitos that can carry heartworm. Residents should talk to their veterinarian about preventive heartworm treatments. 

Spring is a time when wildlife activity is heightened. Black Bears may wander into residential areas searching for food. Deer become more active, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions, especially at dawn and dusk. Coyotes, bobcats, and foxes may be more visible as they hunt or protect their young. Species like raccoons, skunks, and woodchucks may cause conflicts by nesting under decks, in attics, or digging in yards. Residents should seal entry points off to nuisance wildlife and keep their yards clear of brush. 

Bats begin to leave their hibernation sites in spring. Residents may find bats around their homes or in their attics. Bats found in bedrooms or living spaces should be tested for rabies (contact New Canaan Animal Control to have the bats tested for rabies).

When will residents see turtles crossing the street and what is the proper protocol to deal with them?

Turtles start to cross the road between early May into June. This is when turtles leave their water source to lay eggs in sandy or soft soil. It should be noted that turtles like to lay their eggs in mulch. If this occurs, simply flag the area and let your gardener/ landscaper know. The turtles will not return to the area after the eggs are laid. If you see a turtle crossing the road pull over and put your hazard lights on until the turtle has finished crossing. If the turtle is just lying in the road, it is most likely a snapping turtle and will have to be professionally removed as they can be dangerous. (Contact New Canaan Animal Control to remove Snapping Turtles from the road).  

When will coyote moms be protective of new litters?

Coyotes are most dangerous during breeding season and pup-rearing season which is January to May. Pups are usually born in April and May after a 60-63 day gestation period. So, in April and May, coyote parents will be fiercely protective of their dens and their young. From October to December, coyote pups will leave their parents, establishing a new territory and sometimes creating a bolder behavior near human settlements.    

When will residents see young male black bears and what is proper protocol for this type of situation?

Black Bear cubs are born between April and May. If you come across a Black Bear, yell and make yourself look big.  Don’t turn your back on a black bear.  Back yourself up to the closest shelter, such as a house, car or shed. To avoid bears coming onto your property, keep trash cans in your garage or shed, clean your garbage and recycling bins periodically if their left outside, if you are a beekeeper surround your hives with a heavy-duty fence, bears are attracted to sweet smells like soda cans and marshmallows so be sure to clean up after any outdoor party.   

What safety/wellness tips can you provide for New Canaan residents?

When hiking it is always good practice to keep your dog on a leash.  A leashed dog is a safe dog. It is recommended to place bells on your dog’s harness so as to not sneak up on wildlife.  If you are jogging/ walking early in the morning or late evening it is suggested that you stay alert of your surroundings and to make noise to alert wildlife that you’re around. You can wear bells on your backpack, whistle loudly once in a while or say “hey, bear” audibly when approaching a blind corner.  

This office would advise homeowners and residents to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Make your presence known by making noise or being loud when hiking or before letting your animals outside. Drive slow as deer, wildlife, children and families are more prevalent.  Most incidents occur when residents sneak up on unsuspecting wildlife. Keep your homes clean and unwelcoming to wildlife. 

Never feed wildlife as it will cause them to come looking for easy food and will make them aggressive. Human food is not their proper diet and will hurt them as it is not nutrient rich in what their body needs.

How can we take precautions to keep pets safe from wildlife?

If you let your animals outside during the early morning or late evening when these animals are most active, it is recommended that you watch your animals, especially small dogs and cats. It is also suggested that you check to make sure no wildlife is around before letting your animals outside. You can yell “hey, bear!” or whistle loudly as to scare off anything that may have slept in your yard overnight.  Wildlife tends to avoid people as they see us as threats. 

Keep your dog on a leash in the town parks at all times unless in Spencer’s Run (it’s a State Statute and is a $92.00 fine Under C.G.S. 22-364a).  

Also, June is licensing month!  Remember to license your dogs with the town now and license them every year in June! I’ve had many residents’ dogs get lost and have been able to bring them right home because they were licensed and had their tag on their collar.  (Failure to license your dog is a fine of $75 dollars under C.G.S 22-349).  Also make sure your dog is currently vaccinated for rabies.  If your dog or cat comes across a rabid raccoon in the yard or bat in the house and is not vaccinated this could cause the dog or cat to have to be quarantined off property for six months (also a fine of $136 under C.G.S. 22-339b along with quarantine costs).  

What trends are you seeing in terms of wildlife or nuisance wildlife in New Canaan?

My office is getting about the same number of wildlife calls this year as last year. This office tested five or six bats that were found in people’s homes (all tested negative for rabies). Last year we had some bear reports. Only one bear had to be scared off that was going through someone’s trash cans. This office had a lot of bobcat sightings but no major nuisance bobcat issues as of yet. Coyotes are the biggest nuisance. This office had a few calls for coyotes getting into fights with people’s dogs that were primary dogs that were off leash. This office had a few outdoor cats go missing that were suspected to be taken by coyotes or bobcats.