More wildlife has been observed this spring around the world. Meewasin Valley Authority Resource Management Officer, Renny Grilz, believes it’s not because there is more wildlife but because people are being more observant of what is happening in their yards as they stay home to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. He suggests more wildlife are coming in to populated areas due to there not being as many vehicles on the road. He notes it is quieter and there is less light from vehicle beams at night but anecdotally more deer have been seen around Saskatoon this spring.

Spring is when deer have their fawns and coyotes emerge from their dens with their young pups. Grilz says no matter what wildlife you observe, stay back. Take a picture, but keep your distance because the moms may become defensive. He urges parents to make sure young children get the message too, because kids can have Disney movie syndrome, where they may believe an animal is cute and harmless so they might try to approach.

To keep wildlife from coming in to your yard and scavenging, clean up any berries or apples from the ground and don’t leave compost lying around or bird seed.