Seasons of Nature in New England
Late Winter

The black bear will give birth during late January or early February -- usually to 2 or 3 cubs. The cubs weigh only 8-12 ounces at birth. They nurse on their mother's high-fat milk and weigh about 6-8 pounds by the time they emerge from hibernation in early spring. The cubs remain with their mother for the next year and a half.

During the coldest months of the year, the white-tailed deer become much less active and their metabolic rate is reduced by about one half. This allows them to reduce their food intake, which is important since there is a scarcity of high-energy food during the winter. During this time, it sometimes requires more energy for the deer to find and digest food than the energy they get from the food itself.

The breeding season for the Eastern coyote peaks around the middle of February. The coyote becomes more vocal during the breeding season as they seek mates and establish their territory.

This is also the breeding season for red foxes, gray squirrels, and striped skunks. Striped skunk breeding continues until about mid-April.

By the end of February, the Northern cardinals have begun their courting behavior. The female cardinal will be heard singing after the male has established territory and before nest building begins.

Note:  The "late winter" period is the time from approximately mid-January through the end of February. Timing of events will vary depending upon your latitude and elevation.