Connecticut’s freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall are inconvenient and dangerous—to humans, of course, but also to the state's wildlife. The experts at American Bio-Tech, a humane animal removal company operating in Litchfield, Fairfield, and New Haven counties, explain how winter storms affect the wildlife in Connecticut.

White-Tailed Deer

Winter can be deadly to white-tailed deer, which are prominent in Connecticut’s ecosystem. The problem isn’t the cold; the real danger is the lack of available food sources. A snowfall of only 12 inches can make it impossible for the deer to access up to 97% of their potential food. This can lead to high winter mortality rates, although healthy animals often survive by nibbling on bark and twigs.

Bird Species

Bird species that are native to Connecticut—crows, chickadees, blue jays, and others—have developed survival skills that let them withstand even terrible cold spells. They make nests in thickets of evergreens that block wind and snow, and they huddle in pairs or groups close to tree trunks, within hollow trees, in rock and masonry crevices, or inside birdhouses. They feed on insects and invertebrates hidden in leaf litter, and can usually survive unless a prolonged snowfall makes feeding impossible. If given an opportunity, they will nest in your chimney or attic, so it’s important to install chimney caps and seal any entry points. 

Burrowing Animals

Burrowing animals like voles actually thrive in the winter. They delve into the earth, and the heavy snow insulates them against the cold and hides them from predators like hawks and owls. They store seeds for winter and feast on bark and tree roots. Rodents like mice and rats will seek warmer temperatures indoors.

If you encounter any wildlife indoors this winter, you should call an animal removal expert right away. Not only can an animal damage your property, but they also present potential safety hazards to your family, and inhabiting a human environment can be dangerous for the animal, too. Humane animal removal companies like American Bio-Tech practice the utmost care when it comes to protecting Connecticut’s wildlife, and they strictly follow DEEP regulations to keep both you and the animal safe.

Call (860) 355-1231 to speak with an expert at American Bio-Tech. Since 1971, this locally owned and operated business has specialized in humane animal removal using an effective three-step approach to trap, exclude, and relocate critters. You can also visit their website for more information about their wildlife control services, including bat exclusion, raccoon removal, and chimney capping.