Most residents of Lancaster County are well acquainted with a variety of local wildlife. From the heavily wooded suburbs in Mountville to the sprawling farmland between Landisville and East Petersburg, animals such as deer and foxes often leave tracks in backyards or startle drivers as they cross the road. The patterns of wild animals change during the cold months, however, and being mindful of their behavior can make the winter season safer for both you and your neighbors out in nature.

Lisa Sanchez is a park naturalist with the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation. Every winter, Sanchez travels across the county to educate the public on the seasonal changes that occur in nature. She also debunks several misconceptions about local wildlife. "This is a popular time of year for people to feed birds in their backyards. People always ask me how to get rid of the hawks who prey on the cardinals and chickadees who visit their bird feeders," Sanchez said. "You can't; it's a part of nature, and hawks are protected by law. I always jokingly tell them, 'Well, it's still a bird feeder.'"

Another common misunderstanding that Sanchez frequently addresses is the migration patterns of birds. Songbirds such as tree swallows, wood thrushes and red-winged blackbirds fly south for the winter due to a lack of mosquitos and other insects that make up their diet. Other birds have adapted their diet to rely on seeds and berries, making an annual migration unnecessary. Many years ago, robins were seen as a sign of spring's return; today, these birds can be seen throughout the winter as they scrounge for worms and wild berries to eat. "One thing humans often forget is that animals migrate for food," said Sanchez. "Only humans migrate to get warm. Birds are much more adaptable than us in cold weather because of those wonderful feathers."

Sanchez noted that individuals who attend her programs are often surprised to learn that bears do not simply hibernate for the entirety of winter. Although bears consume more food and rest on cold days, they usually emerge from their dens if there is a spike in temperature. Female bears also remain awake to give birth to cubs and raise their young. Bats are one of Lancaster's true hibernators, and they remain inactive until their favorite food sources return in the spring. Sanchez advises hikers to avoid caves during the winter, as disturbing bats in hibernation could force them to expend their limited supply of energy.

The Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of winter programs that combine wildlife education with family activities. Sanchez and other park naturalists regularly hold full-moon hikes and crafting activities at parks throughout the county, in addition to weekly programs for homeschooled students.

For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/lancparkprograms.