Whether you live in a rural part of the Southern End or on a city block in Lancaster, many of your neighbors consist of local wildlife; if you live on a farm in Holtwood or Ronks, you're no stranger to the occasional herd of deer wandering through your land, and local foxes are notorious for making themselves at home in garages and sheds in Lancaster city and the surrounding suburbs. While your human neighbors might drop off a plate of cookies or hot chocolate this time of year, your furry friends exhibit much different traditions, and being able to recognize them makes the winter months safer for both parties.

Every year, Lisa Sanchez, a park naturalist with the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation, visits different parts of the county to help the public understand animals' behavior during the winter. Sanchez explains what different types of animals are prone to doing in response to the cold weather and clears up misconceptions about behaviors such as hibernation. "If you're someone who wants to feed the birds, it helps to realize what else might be eating at the feeder," said Sanchez. "It's always good to have awareness."

Animals in Lancaster County are divided into three categories: those that remain active during the winter, those that migrate to a warmer climate, and those that hibernate. For those that remain active in the winter, such as foxes, raccoons, deer and various birds, Sanchez will explain how they find their food and where they are prone to making shelter. "I've had people realize during a program what has been living in their yard," said Sanchez. "Even if you're on a hike, it's good to be able to identify certain signs to know what's in the vicinity." Sanchez often brings pelts, furs and animal skulls for people to familiarize themselves with and better identify them in the wild.

Groundhogs, bats, jumping mice, reptiles and amphibians are Lancaster County's hibernators. Although reptiles and amphibians in other parts of the country don't hibernate, cold-blooded creatures in Pennsylvania must remain underground for the duration of the cold season to keep from freezing. A common misconception that Sanchez often clears up about hibernation is the patterns of bears; while bears exhibit some of the same behaviors as hibernators, such as fattening up and resting, they are often active on warms days and many female bears are awake to give birth to their young. Sanchez also warns people to stay clear of caves to avoid disturbing bats, which can't afford to expend any energy until their food sources return in the spring.

For more information about programs offered by park naturalists such as Sanchez, call the environmental education office at 717-295-2055.