How are warmer winters impacting wildlife?

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - As winters get warmer in our region, animals' behavior is also changing to adapt. This may lead to some unexpected guests at your home this winter.

At the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Mya Wiles tends to rehabilitated birds while watching their relatives soar across the sky.

But she says their behavior has changed in recent years as Vermont winters heat up.

"It's kind of just chaos. A lot of the research highlights that there's a lot of different effects, and we don't really know what the total outcome might be," Wiles said.

According to the Vermont Department of Health, the state's winters increased by four degrees in the last 50 years. They're less predictable, with record highs and increased rainfall, as seen in the past year. A federal weather report predicts another mild winter on the books.

Wiles says the warmth can mess with migration patterns and lead more birds to overwinter, which sends ripples through the food chain.

"That means there's a lot more competition for the birds or the raptors that are here all winter long, and normally don't have to compete for those prey in the winter. So, it definitely would throw things off balance," she said.

Warm winters also disrupt torpor, or a period of inactivity when animals conserve energy, which means more animal activity. State experts say some animals like bats might leave their heating hideaways for more temperate spaces.

"We'll get a lot of phone calls that bats are showing up in buildings when we've had a drastic drop in temperature because those temperature swings are so huge," said Alyssa Bennett with Vermont Fish and Wildlife.

The same applies to bears, with more black bears emerging from their dens early and appearing in people's yards. "You might get a surprise visit to your bird feeder in January or February, a little bit earlier than you might expect otherwise," Wiles said.

To prevent unwanted houseguests, experts recommend hanging bat boxes in your yard. You can also keep bird feeders inside for longer, secure your trash, and keep a close eye on pets and farm animals.