Hit the Brakes CT, Wildlife Expert Says Critters are on the Move

Have you noticed more small critters hanging around the road lately? It’s not your imagination — and it’s not just happening near the road, either. These little creatures are basically headed off to college right now. Our wildlife expert, Jen the Zookeeper, explains:

Kids going off to college? So are the wildlife youth!

That’s right, it’s dispersal time—nature’s version of graduation. Across the region, young mammals are saying goodbye to mom (whether they like it or not!) and heading out into the big, wide world. Squirrel and skunk parents are giving their kiddos the ol’ “You’re grown now, good luck!” while other animals—like raccoons—are a little more lenient, letting the kids tag along through their first winter.

Now, while this rite of passage is adorable in theory, it also means the roads are getting a bit more crowded. These young, first-year animals are exploring, foraging, and trying to find new territories—and unfortunately, many don’t yet know the dangers of our busy roads.

So, here’s where we humans come in. The absolute kindest thing we can do for wildlife right now. Slow down. Especially at dawn, dusk, and nighttime—when animals are most active and visibility is low.

Keep an eye out for those tell-tale glowing eyes near the road and be ready to brake. A few extra seconds can save a life—not to mention your bumper.

So, let’s give our wild neighbors a break during their big move-out season and keep everyone—human and animal—safe this fall!"

I love the idea of a squirrel in a letterman jacket wearing a backpack (one-strap only) just bounding onto campus with enthusiasm. I love the imagery, right up until a soccer dad driving a Cabriolet takes a corner at 62 mph and then bam, carnage! No thank you, let's pump the brakes. These are the best years of their lives.

More on Jen the Zookeeper

JTZ

Jen has been immersed in the conservation & science education field for over 30 years. While working as Director of Animal Care for The New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she was responsible for the care of native wildlife and birds of prey, while teaching the public about the roles of these wild neighbors. While with the Bronx Zoo and Los Angeles Zoo, Jen’s main priority was the care of exotic hoof stock, again while teaching the public about the delicate balance of humans & habitats. While working with a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, CA, Jen played a major role in the wildlife training and handling of some 50 exotic species. Her major focus was creating curriculum for a variety of programs including at-risk and foster youth programming. These programs encompassed helping fragile children gain a sense of trust and worthwhile developing a healing relationship with the non-releasable wildlife at the sanctuary. Currently, Jen is the owner and sole proprietor of Jen Kotkin Pet Care, providing pet care as well as mental and physical exercise & stimulation for dogs, cats, horses, birds and more.

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