Warmer temperatures have creatures on the move

If you believe the weather can be forecast by furbearers, then hopefully Punxsutawney Phil got it right this week when he predicted an imminent end to winter.

A little closer to home however, our own Buckeye Chuck apparently decided that the sunny skies, and obligate shadows that were created, meant we are not yet done with the current season.

It’s not surprising that these neighboring rodents could not agree on the upcoming weather trends. Animals across our region have had their normal winter routines interrupted, delayed, or abandoned altogether. Thanks, in part, to the El Nino weather phenomenon, this winter has been the polar opposite, no pun intended, of the last couple years.

The higher mercury readings this year have not only created wardrobe and lifestyle confusion for many human residents, but also for the plants and animals that are not immune to undertaking behavioral changes in situations like this.

Plants have been growing and blooming during what should have been their dormant period. I mean, dandelions flowering in December and January, seriously? Lawn weeds are one thing, but some trees also have started to bud out. And, although I am looking forward to a greener landscape as much as anyone, a late frost following this mild streak could result in a diminished crop of fruits, berries and nuts.

Animals too, have been exhibiting behavior inconsistent with what may be considered “normal” for this point on the calendar. One of the most conspicuous examples I’ve noted these past few months was the lack of a definitive migration for songbirds and waterfowl.

By now, they have all effectively left the Canadian forests and lakes for more moderate climes, but this year didn’t bring with it a sense of urgency that usually creates an “all-at-once” southward stampede of feathered fliers.

Another group of animals that undertake an annual migration of sorts that has been affected by the early thaw is the variety of salamanders that rely on vernal pools for prime breeding grounds.

Some of our largest salamanders seek out recently melted puddles of water in woodlands and fields each spring to lay their eggs, and with a plethora of suitable sites already available, I have gotten multiple reports of young spotted and marbled salamanders being observed. This is significantly ahead of schedule, and it will be interesting to see if a future cold snap has the potential to affect mortality for these early amphibians.

And finally, one other animal observation that I received this week that not only reflects upon the warmer season, but is also noteworthy simply for its regional rarity, was a report of a black bear in the western reaches of Fairfield County.

The picture taken of the animal, which is not the highest quality and must be verified by the Division of Wildlife, appears to show a bear relaxing along the edge of a field and woods. Black bears tend to spend the cold months tucked away in a state of dormancy, but unlike true hibernators, they can and will become active and explore during warm stretches.

It will be interesting to see what the remainder of this season will bring us in unusual animal behavior and ecological activity, and I can’t wait to see what spring has in store.

Tommy Springer is the conservation technician and wildlife specialist for the Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District. He can be reached at 740-653-8154.