While we isolate at home, wildlife is roaming our deserted streets

BOSTON — While you’re not seeing co-workers, friends, or family as much, one thing you may be seeing is lots of wildlife.

Many are curious about whether there are more animals or we’re seeing them because we’re around more.

We asked a wildlife expert about the factors. Why are we spotting wildlife more often and perhaps closer to us than usual?

Marion Larson, with Mass. Wildlife, says there’s a series of reasons, not the least of which is that it’s mating season for many animals.

“Their behavior is not changing very much except, yeah, they feel more comfortable because there is not as much car traffic -- as much foot traffic,” Larson said.

Days are longer, but mostly it’s because we’re spending all this time at home.

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“Enjoy the show. Some people talk about the turkeys that are blocking traffic and they stop, to let the turkey cross the road you don't need to stop. Just drive slowly, they will run out of the way,” Larson said.

All this time at home presents an opportunity to educate children eager for a new lesson.

“Do a little scavenger hunt, what can you find that’s wildlife?” Larson explained. “In my mind, wildlife is anything from insects to blue whales, not that you'll find a whale in your back yard.”

It’s also important to keep safe while watching the real-time nature show from your yard. Larson says to stay outside with small pets to protect them from predators, don’t leave garbage out, and as we’re doing with each other, watch at a distance.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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