This Is What Spring in Connecticut Really Looks Like (Hint: It’s Wild)

Spring in Connecticut hits and suddenly it feels like we’re all extras in a nature documentary we didn’t sign up for. Everywhere you look, animals are out here acting wild—literally—and we’ve got questions. A lot of them. Why are deer staring down traffic like they own the road? Why do frogs think it’s Coachella every night? And what exactly is going on with these geese picking fights in parking lots? We’ve reached the point where we can’t even pretend to understand what’s happening anymore, which is why we’re not moving forward without calling in our expert—Jen the Zookeeper.

Get our free mobile app

Spring in Connecticut is basically a full-on reality show starring the local wildlife. As the weather warms up, every species reappears with urgency, confusion, and questionable decision-making.

Read More: Connecticut Zookeeper Breaks Down Baseball Mascot Like Wildlife Expert 

Squirrels 

Squirrels run around like they just remembered where they buried their snacks—and then immediately forgot again. Deer step into the road with complete confidence, making eye contact with your car as if they have the right of way.

Frogs 

Frogs host loud, all-night swamp concerts that no one signed up for. Black bears wake up from hibernation and head straight for food like they’ve got months to make up for—which they do.

Birds

Birds operate on chaos. Robins yank worms like they’re late for work, geese start fights in parking lots, and woodpeckers begin unsolicited home renovations.

Snakes 

Snakes come out just to sunbathe and somehow get blamed for everything. Rabbits treat spring like a speed run of romance, while foxes wander around at sunrise looking like they have a mysterious errand they won’t explain.

Turtles

Turtles cross roads with unshakable determination and absolutely no urgency. Meanwhile, ants, bees, and other tiny creatures quietly rebuild entire civilizations under your porch.

Overall, spring in Connecticut feels like a statewide reboot: everyone is hungry, slightly unhinged, and suddenly back outside trying to figure things out

More on Jen the Zookeeper 

Jen has spent more than 30 years immersed in the fields of animal care, conservation, and science education. As the former Director of Animal Care for the New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she oversaw the care of native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey while educating the public about the important roles these wild neighbors play in our ecosystem. Her experience also includes time with both the Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, where she focused on the care of African and Asian wildlife and helped teach visitors about the delicate balance between humans and natural habitats.

Later, while working at a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, California, Jen played a key role in training and handling nearly 50 exotic species. She also developed educational programs for at-risk and foster youth, helping historically underserved kids build trust, confidence, and healing connections with the non-releasable animals at the sanctuary.

In addition to her extensive wildlife work, Jen has experience in horse and dog training, animal control, veterinary care, and all things conservation education. Today, she owns and operates Jen Kotkin Pet Care, where she provides personalized care, exercise, and enrichment for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more.