Humans like mild winters. Animals do, too. They are more likely to survive a temperate season than a cold one. So if Connecticut humans notice that their local wildlife is more visible and lively than usual right now, they’re right.

The recent string of hot days — reaching up to the 90s in the past week, unusual for April in Connecticut — made sightings of frisky woodland creatures even more common.

“A lot of things that were hibernating are active, already out and about. There is a really high level of activity,” said Jenny Dixon of the Wildlife Division of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“Animals are trying right now to find food to put on weight, or trying to set up territories and find mates. They are making themselves very obvious to everyone, not just to other foxes or other killdeer,” Dixon said.

It isn’t just animals who are out in abundance. Humans are, too, enjoying the warm weather with outdoor activities, often with their school-aged kids during spring break. More people outside naturally leads to more animal sightings.

“Warm weather makes it all seem more obvious and abundant to us,” she said. “When you’re outside paying attention to things it increases the likelihood that you’ll see things.”

The usual suspects of Connecticut’s animal kingdom are enjoying the sunshine: bears, deer, rabbits, bobcats, foxes, fishers, shrews, snakes, raccoons, coyotes, rodents and birds.

Increasingly, moose are part of the state’s zoological mix.

The DEEP issued a warning on Thursday for motorists to be on the lookout for New England’s largest land mammal, after a moose was spotted within five miles of I-91 in East Granby.

“Though Connecticut’s moose population is small (about 100 individuals), moose can pose a serious threat to public safety if they wander onto roadways,” the DEEP news release states. “During this time of year young moose may be dispersing long distances in search of new areas to occupy, making them more of a public safety concern.”

Moose, deer and bear collisions with vehicles should be reported to DEEP at 860-424-3333.

Away from roads, Dixon said close encounters between humans and animals can be avoided and far-away encounters can be fun reminders we live in a state full of natural wonders.

“An animal walking through your backyard minding its own business is something to enjoy and appreciate. Connecticut has an amazing diversity of wildlife. We get to see it. It’s a cool experience,” she said.

If a person wants to keep wildlife at a distance from houses and pets, there are strategies. Most of them center around food, which all animals are searching for constantly.

“Bring bird feeders in for the season. Don’t put the trash out until collection day. Don’t store pet food outdoors. Don’t put food on the ground. If you scatter corn for birds and squirrels, it may attract bears and coyotes,” Dixon said.

Most creatures aren’t strong enough to break a screen. But bears are. If a bear smells food through a screen door, it might come into the kitchen. One did last year in West Hartford, when a homeowner left marshmallows and crackers on the counter. The bear came back the next day, wanting more.

“If bears want in, they will get in,” Dixon said.

There were 67 bear home entries in Connecticut last year, and two attacks, according to DEEP. Bears have become so numerous in the state that an annual bear hunt was proposed in a bill in the state General Assembly. The bear hunt idea was nixed by the Environment Committee.

Also last year, a bear became an Instagram star after he was found hibernating under a porch in Plainville. Many human families would find that more unsettling than Marty’s family did. There are strategies to stop that from happening, too.

“When managing backyards, it’s always important to look at places where animals could crawl, under a shed, under a deck,” Dixon said. “To keep them out, make sure you have tight fencing put up around those spaces.”

When walking a pet outside, the pet is safest on a leash in case of a wildlife encounter.

“Make sure the animal is aware you’re there. Then get yourself and your pet to safety,” Dixon said. “Animals think of each other in different terms than we think of them. They have instinctive reactions to one another that can cause problems sometimes.”

People who see wildlife and want to report it for DEEP records, can visit the DEEP website.

Susan Dunne can be reached at sdunne@courant.com.

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