Wildlife experts explain what to expect as wild animals adapt to seasonal changes

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As winter in the Northern Hemisphere approaches, our wild neighbors like raccoons, squirrels, deer and birds begin changing their behavior in response to colder conditions and its impact on their food availability. Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, offers tips to help people safely and humanely coexist with wildlife during the colder months.

Some animals may spend more time searching for calorie-rich food, while others seek sheltered places to rest or escape the elements. Bears seek easy calories at birdfeeders, skunks investigate unprotected garbage or pet food, opossums forage in yards and foxes pass through residential and commercial areas in search of food.

Fall is a great time to check for potential wildlife entry points. An open chimney, gap in an attic or crawl space, or opening beneath a porch or shed can look like a safe place for an animal to escape the cold.

“As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, wildlife behavior changes, and people may notice animals becoming more active around homes as they look for food or shelter,” says John Griffin, senior managing director of urban wildlife for Humane World for Animals in the U.S. “The best way to avoid unwanted encounters is to understand what may be attracting an animal to your property. Start by looking at your home and yard from a wild animal’s perspective and asking what they offer: food in the form of unsecured garbage or compost, or shelter through an unprotected opening.”

Humane World for Animals offers these tips:

• Secure food sources. As natural food becomes less available, wildlife may be more likely to investigate easy sources of food around buildings. Keep garbage securely covered, bring pet food indoors and make sure compost and other food waste cannot be easily accessed by wildlife.
• Check for potential entry points. Before colder weather arrives, inspect roofs, eaves, vents, chimneys and other areas where animals could gain access to attics, crawl spaces or other sheltered spaces. Look for openings, damaged screens, loose trim and other potential entry points. If you suspect an animal is already inside, do not immediately seal the opening. An animal could be trapped inside, or dependent young could be present. If you find that wildlife is using the space, contact a local wildlife center or wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
• Give wildlife space. Some animals may be more visible or active as they search for food and shelter. Seeing a wild animal outside does not necessarily mean they need help. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching, cornering or attempting to handle an animal.
• Know when an animal needs help. Cold temperatures can make wildlife appear vulnerable, but an animal being outside in cold weather does not automatically mean they are in distress. Signs that an animal may need assistance include visible injury, inability to move normally, or appearing weak or unresponsive. If you believe a wild animal is injured or orphaned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local wildlife center for guidance before attempting to intervene.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife that is sheltering. Some animals use natural cavities, brush piles and other sheltered areas to escape harsh weather. If wildlife is using an outdoor space and is not creating a safety concern, it is generally best to observe from a distance and allow the animal to remain undisturbed.

Seasonal changes can also affect wildlife activity on roads. Deer are especially active now through November, when the fall breeding season, or rut, makes them more mobile and less wary of roads. Drivers should slow down in areas where wildlife is common and remain alert after seeing one animal cross, as additional animals may follow.

Wildlife behavior changes throughout the seasons and understanding those changes can help people respond appropriately when encounters occur. Humane World for Animals offers additional tips on coexisting with wildlife.

About Humane World for Animals

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.
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SOURCE Humane World for Animals.