As the seasons change in Wisconsin, so do the behaviors of the local wildlife. One of the most critical times of the year for animals—and homeowners—is mating season. During this time, many animals become more active, territorial, and determined to find safe spaces to raise their young. Unfortunately, that often means your home, attic, shed, or yard becomes their ideal nesting or denning site.
Understanding the mating habits of Wisconsin’s common wildlife can help homeowners take proactive steps to prevent unwanted animal intrusions and potential property damage. Let’s take a closer look at the mating seasons of some of the most common nuisance animals in the region and why it matters for you.
Common Wildlife Mating Seasons in Wisconsin
Raccoons (Late Winter – Early Spring)
- Mating Season: January – March
- Birthing Season: March – June (litters of 3-5 kits)
- Why It Matters: Pregnant raccoons seek warm, quiet places to give birth—attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces are prime real estate for them. They can cause structural damage by tearing insulation, chewing wires, and creating unsanitary conditions with their droppings.
Squirrels (Late Winter & Late Summer)
- Mating Seasons: December – February and June – August
- Birthing Season: Spring and late summer (2-4 babies per litter)
- Why It Matters: Squirrels frequently invade attics and soffits to build nests. They can chew through roofing materials, gnaw on electrical wires (a major fire hazard), and create noise disturbances.
Bats (Late Summer – Early Fall)
- Mating Season: August – September (delayed fertilization, birth in late spring)
- Birthing Season: May – June (usually one pup per female)
- Why It Matters: Many species of bats in Wisconsin use attics as roosting sites. Because they are protected under state law, removal must be done professionally and within legal timeframes. Their guano (droppings) can also lead to health concerns such as histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease.
Coyotes & Foxes (Late Winter)
- Mating Season: January – March
- Birthing Season: April – May (4-7 pups per litter)
- Why It Matters: While these animals typically avoid humans, they may become bolder during mating season, leading to increased sightings near residential areas. Pet owners should take extra caution, as small pets can become targets for hunting parents.
Skunks (Late Winter – Early Spring)
- Mating Season: February – March
- Birthing Season: April – June (4-7 kits per litter)
- Why It Matters: Male skunks roam widely in search of mates, increasing the chances of unwanted skunk encounters. Pregnant females often den under porches, decks, and sheds, leading to strong odors and potential spray incidents.
Moles & Voles (Spring & Summer)
- Mating Season: February – April
- Birthing Season: March – June
- Why It Matters: These small burrowing animals multiply quickly and can devastate lawns and gardens by tunneling through soil and feeding on plant roots. Homeowners often notice an uptick in mole activity in the spring and early summer.
Beavers & Muskrats (Winter – Early Spring)
- Mating Season: January – March
- Birthing Season: April – June (kits are born in lodges or burrows)
- Why It Matters: Beavers and muskrats can cause serious water management issues by damming streams and burrowing into pond banks, which may lead to flooding and erosion.
How Mating Season Affects Homeowners
During mating season, wildlife becomes more determined to find safe locations for nesting and raising their young. This results in an increased likelihood of animals attempting to enter attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and chimneys. Homeowners may notice more frequent sightings of raccoons, squirrels, and skunks as they search for shelter. Along with higher activity, some animals become more territorial and aggressive, which can pose risks to pets and humans. Noise disturbances are also common during this time, as animals scurry inside walls, ceilings, or beneath porches. Additionally, structural damage may occur as wildlife chews through wood, insulation, and wiring to create their dens, leading to costly home repairs.
How to Prevent Wildlife Infestations During Mating Season
To reduce the risk of a wildlife infestation, homeowners should take proactive steps before mating season begins. Sealing entry points is one of the most effective methods, as animals often exploit small gaps in roofing, chimneys, and soffits to gain access to homes. Inspecting and repairing these areas with durable materials such as steel mesh can help prevent intrusions. Keeping garbage bins securely closed and removing outdoor food sources can discourage animals from lingering near your property. Landscaping maintenance is also important—trimming overhanging tree branches and clearing debris piles can make your yard less appealing for nesting wildlife. For extra protection, fencing around gardens, porches, and decks can deter burrowing animals such as skunks and groundhogs. Lastly, scheduling a professional wildlife inspection can help identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure your home is critter-proof before mating season begins.
What to Do If You Suspect Wildlife Has Moved In
If you hear noises in your attic, see signs of burrowing in your yard, or notice animal droppings, act fast before the problem worsens. Do not attempt DIY removal, especially during baby season—handling wildlife incorrectly can be dangerous, and in some cases, illegal.
At Critter Control of West Central Wisconsin, we specialize in safe, humane, and legal wildlife removal. Our experts can identify the problem, remove unwanted guests, and help you wildlife-proof your home.
Call us today for an inspection or for assistance with critter removal!