Why February Is the Real “Month of Love” in the Wild
February is known as the month of love, and it’s also when the woods start buzzing with activity. While we’re buying chocolates and flowers, wildlife is entering one of the busiest biological seasons of the year. You may have noticed more activity in the woods lately, squirrels racing through the trees, darting across yards, and what looks like complete chaos unfolding in the snow. At times, it can feel like “uncontrolled, unsupervised children” running everywhere, but this is very normal for this time of year.
Squirrels: Out with the Old, In with the New
In Minnesota, squirrels typically have their first litter of the year in February. That means mother squirrels are preparing for new babies right now. Those fast-moving, slightly chaotic squirrels you’re seeing sprinting across yards and tree lines are last season’s juveniles that got evicted to make room for a new litter.
How to Spot a Juvenile Squirrel
If you’re curious about age differences, look at the tail:
- Juvenile squirrels have thinner, less fluffy tails.
- Adult squirrels have full, thick, well-developed tails.
Foxes: Love Is in the Air
Squirrels aren’t the only ones feeling romantic. Red fox activity increases in late winter because February is their prime breeding season as well. You may notice foxes traveling in pairs, marking territory more frequently, or vocalizing at night. Males can become especially active, competing for mates and patrolling territory. Foxes are actually helpful to our neighborhoods. They’re excellent at controlling rodent populations, often catching mice and other small prey around residential areas, which means less getting into our homes.
It’s Not Just Foxes and Squirrels
Late winter breeding is common across the Midwest for many mammals. Most species time their pregnancies strategically. Many have a gestation period of about 60 to 90 days, meaning babies are born in late May or early June when temperatures are warmer, food sources are plentiful, and survival odds are higher.
Bats are even more interesting. They breed while in hibernation, but fertilization is delayed until spring. Nature has its own calendar—and it’s remarkably efficient.
Why Everything Feels More Active Right Now
When we get a beautiful, warm February day, it can feel like spring is already here. Wildlife responds the same way. Animals begin moving more, marking territory, preparing dens, and pushing out last year’s young. Add in breeding season, and the woods suddenly feel like they’re hosting their own Valentine’s celebration.
When to Let Nature Be… and When to Call Travis
Most of this seasonal activity is temporary and healthy. Wildlife is simply following natural cycles. But if “love season” leads to:
- Animals inside your attic
- Dens under decks or sheds
- Structural damage
- Strong odors or unusual noises
That’s when it’s time to step in.
At Dick’s Nuisance Animal Control, we understand that February is the month of love, even on the wild side. While the “birds and the bees” may be happening out in the woods, wildlife stay outside, not starting a family in your insulation, walls, or under your deck. If the Birds and the Bees season brings a little too much excitement to your home this February, give Dick’s Nuisance Animal Control a call.
We’ll handle the wild side of love — so you don’t have to.