The courtship activity of the great horned owl begins around the end of January or beginning of February. These birds do not generally build nests of their own. Usually they take over unoccupied nests of birds such as ravens, crows, or raptors. Occasionally, they nest in tree cavities or on cliff ledges.

The black bear will give birth during late January or early February -- usually to 2 or 3 cubs. The cubs weigh only 8-12 ounces at birth. They nurse on their mother's high-fat milk and weigh about 6-8 pounds by the time they emerge from hibernation in early spring. The cubs remain with their mother for the next year and a half.

The breeding season for the eastern coyote peaks around the middle of February. The coyote becomes more vocal during the breeding season as they seek mates and establish their territory.

This is also the breeding season for red foxes, gray squirrels, and striped skunks. Striped skunk breeding continues until about mid-April.

By the end of February, the northern cardinals have begun their courting behavior. The female cardinal will be heard singing after the male has established territory and before nest building begins.