Late winter is the mating season for most of our non-hibernating mammals. Cottontails, raccoons, opossums, mink, river otters, bobcats, lynx, fox and coyotes are just a sampling of the North American residents that seek out mates at this time of year.
The males of these species often range widely in search of receptive females. Intent on passing along their genes, they wander day and night, often limiting their sleep and food intake. For those of us who enjoy watching wildlife, late winter is thus a good time to view these species.
Early morning or late day visits to open spaces and nature preserves are best for finding these romantic wanderers. Trails through wetlands or along the border of fields and forest are usually most productive. Of course, slow, quiet travel, with frequent stops for observation, increases the opportunity to observe these wary creatures.
