Nature's Edge - Be Mindful of Protective Parents! - April 2009

Spring is a special and important time for wildlife – new offspring arrive. We need to be aware of these new additions to our community and be respectful of their needs.

Wildlife tend to be frightened by humans and your presence near their newborns can elicit a wide variety of responses. For instance, if you walk upon a mother deer with her fawn, she may run away and often leave her new fawn for several days at a time. Don’t be alarmed if you see a fawn without its mother. Don’t try to feed it or touch it. It will be fine and she will come back for it. Mother and father birds will often fly at you to push you back away from their nest or they will fly away from the nest to distract you and get you to follow them.

In April coyotes will give birth to their pups. Coyotes are very territorial and the presence of your dog in their territory may elicit a protective response. Keep in mind, pets are not allowed in Village parks, natural areas or Nature Preserves and if you are walking your dog on the bike path or down the street, be sure it is on its leash. A loose dog in coyote territory - especially one that has new pups - signals a threat.

Spring is an exciting time. We are happy to be outside walking through our neighborhoods and parks. Let’s also be careful to recognize what is going on around us and be respectful of the new offspring of our woodland neighbors