Wildlife on Campus
Interacting with Wildlife on Campus
Even in the heart of urban Michigan, our campus is a thriving habitat for local wildlife. From the squirrels and rabbits you see daily to the deer, foxes, and coyotes roaming the 120-acre Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC), there is plenty to discover.
To keep both you and our wild neighbors safe, please follow these simple guidelines:
- Snap a Photo: Feel free to capture the moment from afar.
- Give Them Space: Never approach or corner a wild animal.
- Be Mindful of Seasons: Exercise extra caution during nesting, mating, or winter when animals are most vulnerable to stress.
- Stick to the Trails: Staying on footpaths protects their natural habitats.
- Hands Off: Do not feed the wildlife; it’s best they stick to their natural diet.
- Keep It Clean: Pack out all trash and food scraps to prevent animals from scavenging.
- Keep It Quiet: Minimize noise to avoid startling wildlife or disrupting their natural behaviors.
Coexisting with Coyotes
Coyotes have lived on and around the UM-Dearborn campus for decades. While they primarily stay within the 120-acre Environmental Study Area, you may occasionally see them in more open campus spaces.
Behavior & Activity
- Active Hours: Coyotes are active day and night, but you are most likely to see or hear them around sunrise and sunset.
- Diet: They generally keep to themselves, hunting small mammals like rabbits and squirrels.
- Misconception: Contrary to the belief that they are aggressive, coyotes are typically fearful of humans and will run away if encountered.
Safe Interaction Guidelines
- Keep Them Wild: Avoidance is the best policy. Never approach, invite interaction, or offer food to a coyote.
- If Approached: Do not run. Instead, "haze" the animal by making yourself look large, clapping your hands, or yelling to scare it away.
- Respect the Space: Treat all campus wildlife with respect and enjoy sightings from a safe distance.
For more information on living peacefully with these neighbors, visit the Urban Coyote Research Project.
Wild Turkeys on Campus
After a century-long absence, Wild Turkeys returned to the Dearborn area in 2014 and are now year-round residents of our Environmental Study Area.
Where to Spot Them
- EIC Bird Feeders: A premier location to observe social behaviors and dramatic springtime courtship displays.
- Campus Landmarks: Often seen in small groups near the Henry Ford Estate, the Rouge Gateway Trail, and even approaching building entrances.
Safe Observation
- Keep Your Distance: While naturally curious, turkeys should be enjoyed from afar to avoid disrupting their patterns.
- Do Not Hand-Feed: Feeding turkeys by hand can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans and become aggressive.
Quick Tip: The best way to respect our feathered neighbors is to let them forage for their natural diet without human interference.
White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are year-round residents of our campus. While they are beautiful to observe, they are wild animals that require plenty of personal space.
Seasonal Milestones
- Fawning Season (May–June): Does often leave their fawns alone for long periods.
- The Golden Rule: If you see a fawn by itself, do not touch or move it. It is not abandoned; fawns are born without a scent and use camouflage to stay safe while their mothers forage nearby.
- Buck Activity: You may notice "rubs" on trees where male deer scrape their antlers to remove velvet or mark territory with their scent.
Reading Deer Behavior
- Warning Signs: If a deer snorts or stomps its hooves, it feels threatened.
- Give Space: Back away immediately if you see these signs. Always stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on their habitat.
Safe Interaction
- No Feeding: To keep deer healthy and wild, please do not offer them food.
- Distance is Best: Use binoculars or a zoom lens to enjoy their presence without causing them stress.
Canada Geese
Canada Geese are a common sight on campus throughout most of the year. While they are often found in pairs or groups on our lawns, they are also highly protective residents that deserve our respect.
Habitats & Habits
- Feeding Grounds: You’ll often see them grazing on lawn plants and grasses across campus.
- Roosting Spots: Between nesting seasons, they typically gather in large flocks on Fair Lane Lake.
Mating: These birds often form lifelong pairs and can be seen together in open grassy areas.
Safe Interaction
- Give Goslings Space: If you see young goslings, maintain a significant distance.
- Heed the Hiss: A hiss is a clear warning that you are too close. To avoid being chased, back away slowly and give the geese a clear path.
- Misconception: While geese are sometimes labeled as "mean," their behavior is actually a sign of excellent parenting. They are simply dedicated to defending their young from any perceived threats.
Turtles
Turtles are a common sight near the lake in our Environmental Study Area. While they may seem slow, they are active travelers during certain times of the year.
Seasonal Activity
- Basking: On sunny days, look for turtles (including Snapping Turtles) sunning themselves on logs in the lake.
- Nesting (May–July): During these months, female turtles travel away from the water to find open areas for egg-laying.
- Misconception: If you see a turtle in a park or near a road, it isn’t lost—it is a female on a mission to lay her eggs.
Road Safety & Moving Turtles
Turtles are extremely vulnerable when crossing roads. If you encounter one in the path of traffic:
- Priority One: Always ensure your own safety before stopping to help.
- Assistance: If possible, simply wait with the turtle or drive around it.
- Manual Move: If you must move it, always place it on the other side of the road in the direction it was already heading.
- Technique: Pick up the turtle using two hands at the very back of the shell.
- Snapping Turtle Warning: Be extremely cautious with Snapping Turtles. They have powerful jaws and long necks that can reach halfway back their shell to deliver a damaging bite.
- Hygiene: Always wash your hands immediately after touching any turtle, as they can carry Salmonella
Emergency Contacts
If you encounter a harmful or threatening situation involving wildlife, notify Public Safety (DPS) immediately at 313-593-5333.