Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM APRIL 19 - 25, 2023 UCW 19 With spring already underway, humans aren't the only ones that are taking advantage of the nicer weather. Here are some wildlife encounters you may experience and pro tips from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission for handling each: Unattended young rabbits, deer fawns and songbirds Wild parents can't hire a babysitter and it is normal for many species to leave their young unattended for long periods. Never assume young wildlife has been abandoned or orphaned just because you don't see a parent near- by. If your instinct is to stand guard until its parent returns, be aware that wild animals will avoid approaching if a potential predator (i.e., you) is nearby, to avoid drawing attention to their young. Often the best way to help young wildlife is to leave them alone so their parents can return and care for them. Young squirrels fallen from their nest Windy weather during the nesting season puts young squirrels at risk of falling out of their nests. Squirrel mothers don't abandon their young easily and will search the ground for missing young to carry back to the nest. If the whole nest falls out of the tree, a squirrel will build a new nest before retrieving her young, so it's important to give her the time and space to do so. Foxes, skunks, raccoons or squirrels making themselves at home — in yours In early spring, wild parents are looking for sheltered, out-of-the way spaces to raise their young for the season. Crawlspaces under build- ings can offer a safe and comfortable nursery for foxes and skunks while their newborn young are most vulner- able. Climbing species like raccoons and squirrels may try to access your attic. Even chimneys can become an entry point for flying species like bats and chimney swifts. To avoid having uninvited guests living under or above your building, now is a good time to make repairs to the exterior (e.g., vents, eaves, chimney caps) so wildlife can't find their way in. Spotting snakes on the move As cold-blooded animals, snakes rely on temperature for energy to move, so warmer weather means more will be out and about, regard- less of the time of year. Most snakes in North Carolina start to become active after several days at or above 60 de- grees, so an early spring means early snake activity while temperatures stay warm. e best way to handle a snake encounter is to give it space. Snakes only bite humans in self-defense, so bites can be prevented by avoid- ing situations that force a snake to defend itself from you. Never pick up or harass a snake, and avoid surpris- ing one by watching where you step or reach, especially in areas with thick ivy or leaf litter on the ground, or piles of wood or rocks where snakes may be seeking shelter. Regardless of the wild species you encounter, seek advice from a wildlife professional, such as a licensed wild- life rehabilitator, before moving or attempting to care for any young wild animal to avoid causing uninten- tional harm. For handling unwanted wildlife encounters, a licensed wildlife control agent may be able to help. When unsure of what to do, call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 for assistance or visit ncwildlife.org/have- a-problem for answers to commonly asked questions about preventing wildlife conflicts, injured/orphaned wildlife and more. Prepare for spring wildlife encounters a STAFF REPORT If you find a young critter like this Eastern Cot- tontail bunny in a nest, it is best to leave it alone so the parent can return and care for it. (Photo by Jerry Morse) SPORTS & RECREATION April 20 - Faith & Family Night April 27 - Greek Night April 30 - Women Impacting Sports CATCH YOUR FAYETTEVILLE STINGERS IN ACTION!