Wildlife Happenings

The Bat House constructed on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville in 1991 and now houses over 100,000 bats.

Here it is October and just maybe a hint of Fall is in the air. Here are the wildlife happenings you want to look out for this month.

Birds

- Warbler migration peaks early this month. - Sandhill cranes that nested up north begin to move down. - Ducks begin to arrive for the winter. - Grosbeaks, warblers, tanagers, orioles, and thrushes begin migrating south.

Mammals

- Flying squirrels will be moving into pecan groves as the nuts begin to ripen. - Black bears are feeding heavily in preparation for winter. Drive safely.

Amphibians

- Male frogs and toads move to ponds, streams, and ditches to breed during rainy nights.

Reptiles

- Flatwoods salamanders breed with the first rains of October.

Fish

- Redfish and trout move up creeks and rivers. - Fall spawning of redear sunfish. - Largemouth bass active in cooler waters.

Information courtesy of Florida Wildlife Extension at UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)