Animals like bats and foxes are
nocturnal animals – those primarily active at night. Many of these animals can be scary, because
we can't get a good view and they tend to swoop by in the darkness. Even when seen during the day, like the red
fox that trotted past my office window at 11:00 AM recently, they are not only
startling, but can raise a few questions. (The image to the left is a weasel my cat caught in the early 90s.)
Why Are Some Animals Nocturnal?
Most humans are diurnal – they stay up during the day and
sleep at night. But, some humans are
nocturnal too – ever hear of a "night owl"? Their reasoning can help figure out
why some animals are nocturnal.
- Work schedule – some jobs are only available at
night
- Weather – if it's too hot out during the day, it
might be best to sleep in the AC and come out during the cooler hours later on
- Crowd control – errands are much quicker during
the off-peak times
Let's match up human reasoning with animal instinct:
- Work schedule – bats hunt best at night, so this
time makes for the ideal feeding condition
- Weather – desert animals sleep during the day
when it's the hottest to avoid losing water
- Crowd control – turtles breed at night to avoid
falling prey to predators that may be around when it's light out
What Are Some Common Nocturnal
Species?
You may be surprised at some of the animals that
are considered to be nocturnal. Among
the list are bats, foxes, catfish, cockroaches, hamsters, mice, mink, opossums,
owls, scorpions, and tarantulas. Also
making the list are cats and dogs. I
believe these (and some others) are probably metaturnal animals, those
that function both during the day and at night – especially because of
domestication.
Why Would These Animals
Come Out During the Day?
There are quite a few reasons for animals to step outside
their normal behavioral patterns:
- Disease – Illnesses, most
importantly rabies, can cause animals to depart from how they usually
act. Sick animals typically appear
to be in ill health (remember, wild animals are not pets; they usually
never look perfectly groomed) and often act strangely.
- Food – Hungry animals will
do just about anything for food and this includes staying up "late".
- Weather/Seasons – Some
animals store food or eat more to prepare for winter; others are hungry
when spring comes. A recent storm
may have made it challenging to find food for several nights.
What Should You Do If
You See This Behavior?
Remove potential food sources such as open trash, pet food,
and bird feeders. Keep your pets restrained
and make sure they are up-to-date on pertinent immunizations like rabies and
other diseases local to your area.
Contact a local environmental or wildlife organization to help observe,
contain, or test the animal – particularly if you or a pet have come in contact
with it.
Resources:
http://uk.encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Lists/?article=Animalnocturnal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocturnality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nocturnal_animals
http://www.utexas.edu/safety/ehs/animalmakesafe/faq.html#day
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