In recent years many wildlife species have steadily been adapting to habitat changes, often to the dismay of people who may be negatively affected by the particular species involved. Classic examples are deer, skunks, raccoons and crows. Now in some cases we can add coyotes to that list. And in some regions, black bears.

As has been mentioned in this column at different times, many species of what we consider “wild” animals are more than capable of becoming “semi-wild” animals, given the proper habitat enticements. Well, as increasingly more residents have relocated to our cities and suburbs, the habitat this creates proves to be more attractive to some species than can be found in the natural, undeveloped areas we often associate with wildlife.

If you’ve watched the steady growth in the sightings of various “wild” critters you see on or over your property, I’m pretty certain you can appreciate the transformation that has and is occurring. The huge number of crows we see in the sky at dawn and dusk is somewhat of a hint that these birds are far more at home—and better fed—residing near populated areas than they would be in more rural areas. Just about every city in the state, including Norwich, has tried assorted methods to discourage crows from residing inside the city limits. Most have not been successful or effective.