Wildlife to Watch In February

When people think of February, hearts and teddy bears might be the first things that come to mind. We humans, single or not, celebrate loving others or ourselves while some animals are still enjoying their natural habitats. So, whether hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a winter stroll, this month offers unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
Migrating Birds
February is an exciting month for birdwatchers. Many species adapt to the cold by changing their behaviors, and some might even migrate to your area for the winter.
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Snowy Owls (yes, like Hedwig from Harry Potter): Look for these beautiful owls in open fields or along coastlines during winter months. Their white feathers blend beautifully with snowy landscapes, making them a rare but magical sight. You will typically find them in the northern half of the contiguous United States and southeastern Canada.
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Cardinals: These birds love to show off their vibrant red plumage against snowy backdrops. Keep an eye out for them in dense, sheltered areas and even in your backyard bird feeders, especially if you’re in the Eastern United States, parts of Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Don’t forget to take a camera to snap the perfect picture!
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Chickadees and Nuthatches: These small, hardy birds remain active throughout winter, often visiting feeders or flitting between trees. You can find them in the winter in many states, including Alaska, California, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Texas.
After Looking To The Skies, Look For Tracks in the Snow
Snow-covered trails provide an excellent way to spot animal tracks. These tracks can tell you a lot about the creatures inhabiting the area:
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Deer: Look for their distinct two-hooved prints or even their skat. Their hooved footprints often lead to food sources like shrubs or fallen branches. During the winter, you’ll likely find them in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Colorado.
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Foxes: Their small paw prints are often in a straight line, as they conserve energy by walking efficiently through the snow. In the wintertime, they are all around the continental United States.
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Rabbits: These prints are easy to identify by their unique pattern, with two larger back paws landing ahead of their smaller front paws. Rabbits are found all over the eastern and central United States, including Utah, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Virginia during winter.
The Mammals That Aren’t Hibernating
While some mammals hibernate, others are enjoying the silence of winter, searching for food and mates.
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Coyotes: Often more visible during winter, these adaptable predators can be seen or heard howling in open areas or forests. You can find them in the Midwest, Northeast, Western States, and Southwest.
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River Otters: If you’re near a river or frozen lake, keep an eye out for otters sliding across the ice, cuddling, or diving into open water. Keep an eye out for them in states like Washington, Arkansas, and Utah.
Fishy Friends Under the Ice
Lakes and ponds may be frozen, but life continues beneath the surface. If you’re ice fishing or exploring waterways, you might spot:
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Trout and Perch: These fish remain active in cold water, making them a prime target for anglers.
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Beavers: Look for signs of activity near lodges, such as fresh gnaw marks on trees or open water near their dens.
Animals Emerging For Spring
Cold February weather makes it hard enough for humans to get out of bed, but some animals are beginning to prepare for spring.
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Skunks: These nocturnal creatures start emerging from their dens in search of mates. Their tracks are often found near wooded areas or fields. You can find many of them all over the continental United States, but don’t get too close!
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Great Horned Owls: These iconic birds can be seen in most of the continental U.S. Known for nesting early, these owls may already be incubating eggs. Listen to their distinctive hoots during evening hikes.
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Groundhogs: While these animals are famous for determining the next six weeks of bleak winter on Groundhog Day, they may occasionally venture out of their burrows on warmer days. You can find them in the eastern and central United States, but I wouldn’t put my money on their weather prediction skills.
While You’re Watching Our Wild Friends…
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Stay Quiet and Patient: Wildlife is more likely to appear if you move slowly and minimize noise.
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Bring the Right Gear: Binoculars, a camera, and a field guide are invaluable tools for wildlife observation.
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Respect Their Space: Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing animals in their natural habitats. You’re in their home; you’d want the same courtesy in your yard, wouldn’t you?
The cold weather of February might keep you from wanting to get out and go, but for those willing to brave the cold, you could snap an awesome picture or see an animal in their natural habitat. So bundle up, head outdoors, grab your Little DEAN, and keep your eyes peeled for the wonders of February’s wild side. Happy adventuring!
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