As winter begins to loosen its grip and temperatures start fluctuating, many homeowners notice an increase in wildlife activity around their homes. Scratching in attics, movement in walls, digging under decks, or animals appearing during the day often seem to come out of nowhere. In reality, this increase follows a very predictable seasonal pattern. Late winter through early spring aligns with the breeding season for several common wildlife species, including raccoons, squirrels, and skunks, and this timing plays a major role in why problems suddenly become more noticeable.

As winter settles in, many homeowners begin to notice an increase in coyote activity, especially in the form of howling during the night and early morning hours. These sounds often seem louder, closer, and more frequent than at other times of the year, which leads many people to assume that coyote numbers are suddenly increasing. In reality, what people are hearing is tied to a normal seasonal behaviour rather than a rise in population.

Although winter is still firmly in place in early January, many homeowners begin noticing changes around their homes as temperatures fluctuate. Extended cold periods are often broken up by brief thaws, freezing rain, or milder daytime highs, and these shifts can cause wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels to become more active. While it may seem early, this is often the first stage of increased movement leading into the upcoming mating and baby seasons.

Winter conditions can make rodent and wildlife activity easier to detect around your property. Snow often reveals tracks, travel routes, and access points that go unnoticed during other seasons, helping homeowners identify problems early.

After the holidays, increased garbage, stored boxes, and leftover food scraps can quickly attract rodents to homes, garages, and sheds if proper cleanup is delayed.