Spring is forthcoming and with it comes wildlife newborns

Spring is coming and so are the babies. Wildlife babies that is. And you may be seeing newborn in your yard or in your travels. 

And the list of newborns or soon to be born is extensive. For example, in two weeks the first skunks will be born. And in four weeks before that happens, the smell in your neighborhood may be prevalent, especially if you’ve been smelling skunk every night. Male skunks can travel up to five miles looking for females. When females are not impressed with their suitors, they spray them. Once mating occurs, females seek dens which could be under decks, sheds, foundations and other places from Feb. 15-28. Then from March 15-30, the first litters are born (they average 5-6 kits). In April, the babies venture outside for the first time. 

Other species during these pre-spring times are squirrels that are typically born in late winter through early spring (Jan.-Mar.) 

Cottontail rabbit babies are being born now and shortly raccoons will be born from early spring from March through May. The latter are often caught up in early grass mowing season when high grass hides their presence and are unseen by a homeowner cutting grass and they accidently hit. 

Tiny baby opossums are born early in the year and crawl into mon’s pouch. They later ride on her back as they grow.

Red fox kits typically arrive in late winter to early spring. Some folks are already posting photos on social media of fox babies in their yards. A fox nemesis, the coyote, will have pups usually arriving in spring following winter breeding. 

As for our avian species, bald eagles have eggs in their nests while red-tailed hawks have early nesting underway. 
Coming soon, barred and screech owls hatching ramps up in early spring. And American robins begin nest building and egg-laying that usually begins in mid-spring. I had my first sighting of four robins last week on a lawn in Bethlehem adjacent to Route 22. And the pretty Eastern bluebirds will also arrive and being nesting as temperatures stabilize. 

According to wildlife rehab centers, timing shifts with climate and local weather, but in many places, baby season isn’t approaching, it’s already underway. Keep your eyes peeled for these newborns. 

PRE-SEASON TROUT STOCKING
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Scheduled pre-season trout stocking was delayed somewhat by heavy snows and frozen creeks. But last week the fish commission and volunteers managed to stock Maiden Creek, Pine Creek, Ontelaunee Creek, Kercher Creek, Switzer Creek, the Little Lehigh from Bogarts Bridge to the Martin Luther King Drive section. Forthcoming this week are the Jordan and Coplay creeks. 
 

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