How Weather Changes Affect Wildlife Behavior

Michigan’s changing seasons bring dramatic shifts in temperature, precipitation, and daylight, all of which influence the habits of local wildlife. In Southeast Michigan, animals adapt their feeding, nesting, and movement patterns to cope with these changes, ensuring their survival year-round.

Spring: As temperatures warm and daylight increases, many species become more active. Robins and red-winged blackbirds return from migration, gray squirrels gather fresh shoots and buds, and frogs and toads emerge from hibernation to breed in ponds and wetlands. Abundant insects and budding plants provide critical food for mammals like raccoons and opossums.

Summer: Longer days and plentiful resources mean wildlife is often active in the early morning and evening to avoid the midday heat. White-tailed deer move between wooded areas and open fields to forage, while bats feed heavily on insects. Coyotes may expand their range in search of food and water, sometimes appearing on the edges of neighborhoods.

Fall: Cooling weather signals preparation for winter. Eastern chipmunks and squirrels store acorns and seeds, while many bird species—such as Canada geese—begin their migration south. Raccoons and skunks seek out warm, sheltered spaces, sometimes near homes, in anticipation of freezing temperatures.

Winter: Harsh conditions push some animals into hibernation, such as bats, while others, like deer and coyotes, remain active but adjust their patterns to conserve energy. Food scarcity can drive foxes, raccoons, and squirrels closer to human areas in search of nourishment. Chickadees, woodpeckers, and other hardy birds adapt by switching diets or frequenting backyard feeders.

Weather changes directly impact how and where Southeast Michigan’s wildlife lives. By recognizing these seasonal patterns, homeowners can anticipate animal activity and take proactive steps to prevent conflicts while safeguarding both property and the region’s diverse species.