Early spring for the animals that overwinter in Alberta, is the time when access to food sources is most important.
The non-hibernators, like Deer, Elk, Moose, Chickadees, Hare, Grouse, Fox, Coyote, Wolves, Lynx, Bobcat and Cougars have all been surviving on their summer fat from the abundant foods they found. They have also been browsing over the long winter months and hunting in the snow, scratching out seeds and grasses from windblown slopes or from south-facing slopes where snow melted over the winter.
If spring is late, it can be a crucial time of weakness for many animals.
You can re-wild your garden this spring by planting winter-hardy indigenous plants such as gooseberry, sunflower, wild onion, northern bedstraw. If you need more suggestions, Full Circle Adventures offers garden consultations to re-wild your garden.
Remember to leave tall autumn seed stalks standing in the fall and in the snow over winter. This will help support local birds and small wildlife at this critical time.
Many Alberta berry shrubs retain their berries over winter. When planting berry bushes in your garden, plant an extra one for the wildlife too, so they can survive and thrive.
These become precious foods for hungry herbivores in the late winter and early spring months.