Seasonal Wildlife Guide: Exploring Nature Year-Round

Winter:

If you think that there are few animals to see in winter, think again. During the winter, it becomes darker earlier, so animals appear earlier. If you want to see animals during the summer, you need to hike until dusk. In contrast, in the winter, you can hike until sunset and go to bed earlier. Due to the rainfall in the winter, the grass is more lush and green, which means animals cannot camouflage as easily. Many mammals can be easily seen during this season, with the exception of snakes, which live inconspicuously underground. It gets cold during sunset, so it is best to bring jackets and other warm layers if you decide to observe mammals during this time. Animals during the winter include: Mule Deer, Brush Rabbits, Mountain lions (pumas and cougars), Bob Cats, Great Horned Owls, many migratory bids, and more.

Spring:

During the spring, it's a beautiful time to hike and observe nature. From the rains in winter, the grass is normally long, green, and healthy. Because of the rich green grass, it's easier to see wild life, but they can still hide in the long blades of grass. Since you will see more animals more frequently, you should go hiking. During the late spring, snakes start to venture out. It's best to observe wildlife during this season at sunset and sunrise. It is still cold, but much warmer than the winter season. Animals during the spring include: Mule Deer, Brush Rabbits, Mountain lions (pumas and cougars ), Bob Cats, Great Horned Owls, many migratory bids, and more. Snakes may also appear, depending on when you hike in the spring

Summer:

The summer is often the best time to see wildlife depending on how lucky you are. The heat shrivels the grass to a brown-ish color where animals can camouflage, so you have to keep your eyes peeled for everything. The grass is long, which makes it more challenging to spot wildlife. The best times to see wildlife are always dusk and dawn for most animals. It gets hot during the day, so most animals try to stay out of the sun. Snakes, however, love the sun because they are cold blooded. If you are trying to find a wild snake, hike in the mid-morning when they sun bathe, or in the mid-afternoon when they return underground. You need to hike late if you want to see owls or mountain lions. It does not get too cold until midnight, so hikers can comfortably wear short-sleeves and shorts. Animals during the summer include: Many snakes, Mule Deer, Brush Rabbits, Black-Tailed Jackrabbits, Mountain lions (pumas and cougars ), Bob Cats, Great Horned Owls, many migratory bids, and more.

Fall:

The fall wildlife is similar to that of spring with a few alterations. The grass will be mostly dead, unless it has rained recently, so animals will not as easily camouflage. Therefore, hikers can spot wildlife more easily. Depending on what time in the fall, snakes might still appear. The best times to see animals are still dusk and dawn, but you can see everything during the day depending on how lucky you are. Like the winter, it can get cold, so bring layers to keep you warm. Some animals in the fall include: Mule Deer, Brush Rabbits, Black-Tailed Jackrabbits, Mountain lions (pumas and cougars ), Bob Cats, Great Horned Owls, many migratory bids, and more. You may also spot snakes depending on when you hike in during this season.