With so many different types of wildlife in Pickering, there are many opportunities for your kids to learn about their habits, life cycles and where they live. This can help them understand the importance of these creatures and how many of them have adapted to living near people. We at Skedaddle, your wildlife removal service, are here to offer you a few wildlife learning opportunities for kids that may help them feel closer to nature.

1. Nature Hikes 

Taking nature hikes with your kids can give them the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Squirrels, birds and even a glimpse of a raccoon or two can open the door to helping your kids identify these animals. Even a short hike at the local park might give you the opportunity to view these animals. You can ask your kids questions like, “Where do you think raccoons live?” or “How do you think birds make their nests?” This can open a discussion about wildlife habitats and their importance to the local ecosystem.

2. Mask Making 

A cold or rainy day can provide time for a wildlife-themed arts-and-crafts session, and making animal masks is a simple way to educate and entertain your kids at the same time. Supervise and assist them with tracing and cutting masks they can colour and decorate, then discuss why they chose a particular animal and what they like most about it. You can also have them make a shortlist about the animal, such as its habitat and what it eats.

3. Wildlife Scavenger Hunt 

Turn your backyard into a wildlife adventure zone with a scavenger hunt. Give your kids cards with clues that lead them to different parts of your yard where they might find certain types of wildlife. For example, leave clues near a backyard birdhouse or by a garden fence. The first child to collect all their clues wins a prize. As your source for wildlife removal Pickering, our website can offer you a few ideas about which animals to feature.

4. Create Bird Nests

Watching birds make their nests is a fascinating experience and can provide your kids with a fine learning experience. Begin with a virtual lesson by watching a bird build a nest online and then have your kids create their own with recycled materials. Create one with them and discuss different birds and how each one might create a nest. Remind your kids that if they ever see a bird creating a nest in the wild that they should not disturb it and simply watch from a distance if possible and avoid handling eggs or chicks.

5. Create an Animal Oasis 

You can teach your kids about the local wildlife by creating safe watering locales and habitats for birds and small mammals. Bird feeders, birdbaths and homes for birds and bats are not difficult to create and can give you all the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitats. As you create these backyard environments, give your kids an opportunity to ask questions about different types of animals.

6. Printed Coloring Pages 

When the weather does not allow for outdoor activities, offering your kids wildlife colouring pages can fire their imaginations and open doors for discussions about the importance of local wildlife. Many sites online offer free printable colouring pages to provide your kids with hours of fun and creativity while they learn about local wildlife at the same time.

Our Skedaddle team in Pickering understands the importance of teaching children about the wildlife they might encounter in their neighbourhood. Contact us today for more information about any wildlife issues around your home or for inspiration about how to introduce your kids to the animals that live in or visit their own backyard.