Late Winter Wildlife Behavior in South Jersey: Squirrels and Raccoons from February to March

Raccoon entry in pulled down soffit

Raccoon captured humanely in cage and released

As winter transitions into early spring, homeowners throughout Burlington County, Camden County, and Gloucester County, New Jersey often begin noticing increased wildlife activity around their homes. Late February through March is a critical time of year for squirrels and raccoons, as both species enter important reproductive and survival phases.

Understanding this seasonal behavior helps homeowners recognize why animals are active—and why attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces are common targets during this time.

Squirrel Activity in Late February and March

By late February, gray squirrels in South Jersey are already pregnant. Winter breeding typically occurs in January and early February, meaning females are actively preparing nesting sites by late winter.

Pregnant Squirrels Seek Safe Nesting Areas

Female squirrels look for warm, elevated, and protected spaces to give birth. Unfortunately, residential structures in Camden County neighborhoods, Burlington County wooded areas, and Gloucester County suburbs provide ideal conditions.

Common squirrel entry points include:

• Roofline gaps and fascia boards

• Attic vents and gable vents

• Chimneys and soffits

Once babies are born (often in March), the mother squirrel becomes highly defensive and far less likely to relocate on her own.

Signs of squirrel activity include:

• Scratching, running, or rolling sounds in the attic

• Chewing noises during daylight hours

• Damage to rooflines or vents

• Insulation displacement or nesting material

Early detection is key—waiting often means babies are already present.

Raccoon Behavior During Late Winter Cold Snaps

Raccoons do not hibernate, but during the coldest periods of winter they enter a state known as torpor, where activity slows dramatically. In Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties, this often causes raccoons to remain inside dens for extended periods.

As temperatures fluctuate in late February:

• Raccoons may disappear for days or weeks

• Activity resumes quickly during warmer spells

• Long periods of silence can be misleading

Many homeowners believe the raccoon has left—when in reality, it is still inside the structure.

Raccoon Mating Season and Denning Behavior

Late February through March marks the start of raccoon mating season in South Jersey.

After mating:

• Females establish a secure den

• Once settled, female raccoons typically remain in the den long-term

• Kits are born in spring and continue living there throughout the summer

• In some cases, young raccoons may remain into the following year

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Raccoon Kits and Dispersal Patterns

As juveniles mature:

• Male raccoons usually disperse first, often during their first winter

• Females frequently stay closer to the original den site

• This extended occupancy is why raccoon problems often worsen over time if not addressed

Attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, and wall voids are especially attractive denning locations in residential areas across Camden County towns and rural parts of Burlington and Gloucester Counties.

Why Wildlife Problems Spike in Late Winter and Early Spring

Late winter is one of the most common times for wildlife issues in South Jersey homes due to:

• Limited natural food availability

• Pregnancy and denning behavior

• Cold weather forcing animals to remain inside structures

• Long-term occupancy once animals settle

By March, many homes already have established nests or dens, making professional intervention especially important.

Professional Squirrel and Raccoon Control in South Jersey

While squirrels and raccoons are not protected species in New Jersey, proper removal timing and methods are critical to avoid:

• Structural damage

• Odor issues from hidden nesting areas

• Repeat infestations

• Long-term attic contamination

Professional wildlife control focuses on humane removal, exclusion, and prevention, ensuring animals are removed safely and entry points are permanently sealed.

Wildlife Removal Services in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester County, NJ

Acorn Wildlife provides professional squirrel and raccoon removal services throughout:

• Burlington County, NJ

• Camden County, NJ

• Gloucester County, NJ

We specialize in attic wildlife removal, raccoon control, squirrel exclusion, and long-term prevention solutions tailored to South Jersey homes.

Hearing noises in your attic or walls this winter?

Contact Acorn Wildlife for trusted wildlife control services in Burlington County, Camden County, and Gloucester County.