During the month of March in the year 2018, daylight savings time changes on March 11th. During this time of year, time springs forward one hour which means we all loose a hour of sleep. Yeah, I agree, yuck!!
However, did you know daylight savings time also effects wildlife? Depending on the season, the savings time change makes a big difference on how wildlife is effected. There are numerous motor vehicle accidents that happens daily; therefore, there are more than 350 million animals killed on US roads every year causing $1billion in damage. Each state's government had put up road signs warning drivers of potential animals to prevent those accidents.
An example, how wildlife is effected during winter's daylight savings time, is the increase of deer related accidents. November is the start of hunting season in the state of Virginia. Deer starts to leave their resting place to move around during sunrise and sunset. This is a hunter's opportune time to hit the woods and wait for that perfect shot; however, when those hunters move around themselves the deer starts running. Unfortunately, deer don't really know where their running to, they just know they need to get away from the hunter which chases them into the roadway. The month of November is also deer's mating season. Female deer (doe) will call out to their mate to have him come to her which increases the level of activity as well.
Now let's see how spring's daylight savings time effects wildlife. There are not as much deer related accidents as in the winter's timeframe, but while driving you will start to see many animals lying in the road or on the shoulder dead. These animals include skunks, rabbits, squirrels, birds, snakes, opossums, groundhogs, moles, raccoons, etc. The start of spring is the start of mating season for most of these animals as well. Then you will start to see more activity along the roadway at the very end of February to the middle of March since they are starting to come out of their hibernation to reproduce.
Not only does daylight savings time effect people, but animals too. They have a biological clock, "time schedule", just as we do which keeps their day in rhythm. Give Elite Wildlife Removal a call if you suspect or see a wildlife animal in your home. We do a thorough inspection which includes locating the entry point, removing the ones in your home, prevent these pests from re-entering and talk about the remediation process. We will be more than happy to work with you side by side to protect your largest investment.