5 Animals to Watch for Around Illinois This Fall

Fall in Illinois means cooler temps, colorful leaves, and more wildlife activity.

If you've noticed more deer around Rockford or standing near roads, squirrels running around your yard, or raccoons getting into your garbage, there's a reason for it.

Several wild animals become more active during autumn as they search for food, look for mates, and prepare for the winter months.

Here are five wild animals we might see way more as we move into fall.

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White-Tailed Deer

They're pretty active in the fall because of mating season, also known as the rut.  Bucks may travel more as they search for mates, making them easier to spot in fields, wooded areas, and along roads.

Deer are most active around dawn and dusk.

Raccoons

I almost got attacked by three raccoons outside my front door!  They spend all of fall searching for food to build up energy before winter.  That can mean more visits to garbage cans, yards, and other places where food is easy to find.

Squirrels

Gray, fox, and red squirrels spend much of the fall gathering and hiding nuts, including acorns and walnuts.  They stash food in different locations so they can return to it when food becomes harder to find during colder months.

Beavers

Beavers can become easier to spot during late summer and fall as they prepare for winter.  They gather branches, maintain their lodges, and stock up on food near waterways.  I you live near a pond, river, or stream, you might notice signs of their activity even if you don't actually see them.

Coyotes and foxes

Fall can bring lots of changes for young coyotes and foxes, too.  Animals born earlier in the year may begin leaving their family groups to establish territories of their own.