Naperville Park District Reminds Park Visitors to Respect Wildlife in Parks

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

As spring weather begins to appear in the parks and surrounding nature areas, the Naperville Park District reminds park visitors to be aware of the needs of birds and other wildlife that are nesting and raising their young.

Spring is nesting time for geese, which means that they become protective of their mates and young. Signs a goose is protecting its territory include:

  • Warning call
  • Spreading its wings
  • Hissing sounds
  • Confronting people or animals that come near their nest or mate
  • Lowering its head

When walking in a park, try to stay away from protective geese. Visit Northeastern IPM Center to learn more about the Canada Geese.

Another animal to watch for this season is the turtle. In the springtime, female aquatic turtles leave the water to find a suitable spot to lay their eggs. The most common aquatic turtles in our parks are painted turtles, red-eared sliders, and common snapping turtles. If you see a snapping turtle, observe from a safe distance. Additionally, female turtles may cross streets to find a suitable nesting site, even if it is far from water. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and be more observant this spring and summer.

Spring and early summer is nesting season for Red-winged Blackbirds around wetlands. While on parenting duty, these protective birds may become aggressive defending their nests, which are hidden within the vegetation. To learn more about Red-winged Blackbirds, visit www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id. 

Spring is also the time of year when coyote pups are born and raised. Knoch Knolls Park is home to families of coyotes and other wildlife. When walking on the trails at Knoch Knolls Park, stay on the trail and keep your dog on a leash. The Forest Preserve District of Will County provides helpful information about coyotes in the area at www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/co-existing-with-wildlife/coexist-with-coyotes. 

Lastly, throughout the year but especially in the spring, the Park District asks park visitors to protect the health of the river and wildlife and refrain from feeding ducks or other waterfowl. Benefits of allowing ducks to find their own food include:

  • Waterfowl stay healthy by eating a varied diet
  • Prevents overcrowding and aggression among the waterfowl
  • Young fowl are protected from predators attracted to human food
  • The river stays clean

These reminders can be found on the Park District’s website at www.napervilleparks.org/wildlifereminders.