December Wildlife Activity: What's Still Moving Around Your Home

In December, tree squirrels, opossums, foxes, and coyotes stay active, while raccoons and skunks slow down but may emerge on milder nights. The main concern for homeowners is wildlife looking for warm shelter in attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, and spaces under decks.

Which animals stay active in December?

Tree squirrels remain active during the day. Around homes, the place to watch is the attic, especially if the roofline, vents, or other possible entries were affected by an early winter storm.

Opossums may be seen during daylight during a cold spell. A daytime sighting in December can simply mean an animal is still moving through the area and looking for food or shelter.

Raccoons and skunks are usually quieter this month, but they may come out during a milder night. Check sheltered areas around the home rather than assuming colder weather has ended all activity.

Foxes and coyotes also remain active in December. Seeing one move through a yard does not by itself reveal why it is there, so focus on removing the food and shelter that may encourage repeat visits.

Groundhogs are hibernating, so they are not a typical source of new December activity. Community cats remain active and may seek protection from the cold around decks, sheds, garages, or other covered spaces.

What draws wildlife to your home this month?

Warm spaces become especially appealing after the first deep cold. Attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, garages, and areas under decks can offer the kind of cover animals are seeking.

Food is the other major draw. Holiday food waste, accessible trash, bird feeders, and pet food can bring animals closer to the house. Stored firewood can also create sheltered spaces, so keep the area orderly and watch for signs that an animal has begun using it.

What should you check in December?

A short inspection can help you find vulnerable spots before the coldest part of winter. If a location is difficult or unsafe to inspect, contact a wildlife control professional.

• Roofline and vents: Look after storms for openings or disturbed areas that could provide access to an attic.
• Chimney cap: Check that it is secure before using the fireplace, especially if you have heard movement near the chimney.
• Crawl space vents and deck skirts: Look for openings that could lead into a sheltered space beneath the home or deck.
• Trash cans: Check lids and the surrounding area after holiday meals, when food waste may be more noticeable.
• Garage door seals: Look for gaps along the bottom and sides that could make the garage easier to enter.

Is December a good time to trap?

December can be a suitable time to trap, but cold and wet conditions require extra care. A captured animal should not be left exposed longer than necessary, so traps need to be checked often and managed with a clear response plan.

Trapping, relocation, and release rules vary by state and city. Before setting a trap or moving an animal, check with your state wildlife agency or local animal control. If you cannot monitor the trap closely or are unsure how to handle the species involved, call a wildlife control professional.

What should you plan for in January and February?

Late winter mating season can bring more raccoon and skunk noise and denning activity. December is a practical time to address accessible food and seal entry points before that activity increases.

Confirm that a space is empty before closing it. If you are uncertain whether an animal is already inside an attic, crawl space, chimney, or area under a deck, ask a professional to inspect it before sealing the opening.

How can OcuTrap help on a cold winter night?

OcuTrap is a smart, humane live-capture trap and monitoring system for raccoon-size animals and cats. It sends a real-time photo alert at the moment of capture, helping you identify the animal and respond promptly instead of finding the trap hours later.

Cellular connectivity works in yards, barns, alleys, and remote sites where Wi-Fi may not reach. From the app, you can check traps from inside, control a trap door remotely, and release a non-target animal without making a site visit. The same app can monitor any number of traps across properties.

Close up warm shelter spots now, then use a carefully monitored approach if trapping becomes necessary. Learn how OcuTrap can help you know when a trap is sprung at ocutrap.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I hearing scratching in my attic during December?

Tree squirrels remain active during December and may seek access to an attic. Inspect the roofline and vents for possible openings, especially after a storm. Confirm whether an animal is inside before sealing anything. If the area is difficult to reach or you cannot identify the animal, contact a wildlife control professional.

Can raccoons and skunks still visit my yard in cold weather?

Yes. Raccoons and skunks usually slow down in December, but they may still emerge on milder nights. Accessible trash, pet food, bird feeders, and sheltered spaces can encourage visits. Remove those attractions and check around crawl spaces, deck skirts, garages, and other covered areas for possible entry points.

Should I remove a bird feeder when wildlife starts visiting?

A bird feeder can attract wildlife beyond the animals you intended to feed. If December activity is bringing animals close to your home, temporarily removing the feeder can reduce that food source. Also secure trash, bring pet food inside, and inspect nearby sheltered areas that could encourage an animal to remain.

What should I do if a trap catches a non-target animal in winter?

Respond promptly and identify the animal before taking action. Trapping, relocation, and release rules vary by state and city, so check with your state wildlife agency or local animal control before trapping or moving any animal. OcuTrap provides a photo alert at capture and allows remote door control, including releasing a non-target animal without a site visit.