Seasonal Wildlife Behavior: What to Expect Throughout the Year

Central Florida's unique climate creates distinct patterns in wildlife behavior throughout the year. Understanding these seasonal patterns can help homeowners anticipate potential wildlife issues and take preventative measures before problems develop. This guide explores how common nuisance wildlife behaves across different seasons in our region.

Spring (March-May): Breeding and Nesting Season

Spring is a period of high activity for most wildlife species as they emerge from winter dormancy, establish territories, and begin breeding cycles.

Raccoons

Spring is the primary breeding season for raccoons in Central Florida. Female raccoons actively seek secure, sheltered spaces to give birth and raise their young, making attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces particularly attractive. Key behaviors include:

• Increased daytime activity as females search for nesting sites
• More aggressive territory defense, especially from females with young
• Heightened determination to access potential den sites, often damaging rooflines, vents, and soffits

If you hear thumping or scratching in your attic during spring, it may indicate a mother raccoon with babies. Our raccoon removal specialists use humane techniques that keep families together during the removal process.

Squirrels

Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons per year, with the first occurring in late winter through early spring. During this time:

• Female squirrels seek secure nesting sites, often in attics or tree cavities
• Males become more territorial and aggressive
• Activity levels increase, with more visible chasing and mating behaviors

Bats

Spring marks the beginning of bat maternity season in Florida, which runs from April 15 to August 15. During this period:

• Female bats form maternity colonies to give birth and raise their pups
• Bat exclusions are legally prohibited during this time to prevent separating mothers from flightless young
• Increased bat activity may be noticed around dusk and dawn

If you suspect bats in your attic during maternity season, contact us for an inspection and to schedule exclusion for after August 15th.

Snakes

Snakes become more active in spring as temperatures warm, emerging from brumation (reptile hibernation). Spring behaviors include:

• Increased basking in sunny areas to regulate body temperature
• Active hunting as prey species also become more abundant
• Beginning of breeding season for many snake species

Summer (June-August): Peak Activity and Juvenile Dispersal

Florida's hot, humid summers create unique wildlife patterns as animals adapt to the heat and young animals begin to mature.

Raccoons and Opossums

By mid-summer, raccoon and opossum young born in spring begin to venture out with their mothers. During this period:

• Juvenile animals learn foraging behaviors, often in residential areas
• Increased nighttime activity around homes, especially near water sources during dry periods
• More frequent raids on garbage cans, pet food, and gardens

Bats

Summer is maternity season for bats, with mothers nursing their pups in colonies. Key summer bat behaviors include:

• Larger colonies as mothers and pups roost together
• Increased feeding activity to support nursing
• By late summer, juvenile bats begin flying and hunting

Snakes

Florida's hot summers affect snake behavior significantly:

• Many species become more nocturnal to avoid daytime heat
• Increased seeking of shelter in shaded, cool areas (including homes and garages)
• More frequent encounters around water sources

Armadillos

Armadillos are particularly active during summer months when:

• Soil is softer and easier to dig, increasing lawn damage
• Insects and grubs are abundant in lawns and gardens
• Young armadillos born in spring begin to forage independently

Fall (September-November): Preparation for Winter

As temperatures begin to cool, wildlife behavior shifts toward preparing for the winter months.

Rodents

Fall is a critical time for rats, mice, and squirrels as they prepare for winter:

• Increased food gathering and caching behavior
• More aggressive attempts to enter homes for shelter
• Second breeding season for squirrels, creating another period of heightened activity

Fall is the most common time for new rodent infestations to begin as animals seek warm shelter. Our exclusion services can help prevent these fall intrusions.

Raccoons

Fall brings changes in raccoon behavior:

• Increased foraging as they build fat reserves for winter
• More determined attempts to access attics and other warm spaces
• Juvenile raccoons from spring litters may begin to disperse and establish new territories

Bats

For bats, fall marks important transitions:

• End of maternity season (August 15), making it legal to perform exclusions again
• Mating season for many bat species, though fertilization is delayed until spring
• Some bat species begin migrating, while others prepare for winter roosting

Fall is the ideal time for bat exclusion work before winter roosting begins. Learn more about our professional bat exclusion services.

Winter (December-February): Shelter Seeking and Reduced Activity

While Central Florida winters are mild compared to northern regions, they still trigger significant behavioral changes in wildlife.

Rodents

Winter is peak season for rat and mice infestations in Central Florida homes:

• Increased nesting in attics, walls, and crawl spaces
• More noticeable gnawing and scratching sounds as rodents establish nests
• Concentrated activity in warm areas of homes

Raccoons

While raccoons don't hibernate, their winter behavior changes:

• Reduced activity during colder periods
• More time spent in dens, including attics and chimneys
• Multiple raccoons may den together for warmth

Snakes

Snakes in Central Florida may enter a state of brumation during cooler winter periods:

• Reduced activity and metabolism
• Seeking shelter in protected spaces, sometimes including homes
• Occasional emergence on warmer winter days

Year-Round Wildlife Management

While wildlife behavior changes seasonally, some preventative measures are effective year-round:

• Regular inspections: Check your home's exterior for potential entry points quarterly
• Prompt repairs: Address damaged vents, soffits, or roofing immediately
• Food management: Secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants regardless of season
• Yard maintenance: Keep vegetation trimmed away from your home and remove debris piles

For comprehensive wildlife prevention, consider our professional wildlife exclusion services, which identify and seal potential entry points before animals move in.

When to Call Professional Wildlife Removal

If you notice signs of wildlife activity in or around your home during any season, it's best to address the situation promptly. Contact Creature Control if you observe:

• Unusual noises in your attic, walls, or crawl spaces
• Visible damage to your home's exterior
• Animal droppings or urine stains
• Unpleasant odors that could indicate animal presence
• Visual sightings of wildlife entering or exiting your home

Our wildlife removal experts serve Lake Mary, Orlando, Sanford, and all of Central Florida with humane, effective solutions tailored to each season's unique wildlife challenges.

For more information on wildlife issues, check out our guides on identifying wildlife in your home and wildlife-proofing your property.