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Bears are most active at dawn and dusk. They can be active at any point during the day, but the hours after sunset and before sunrise are their primary feeding times. As far as time of year goes, bears are generally active from April to November and hibernate throughout the winter and early spring. Bears are more likely to be aggressive in the spring right after hibernation but more likely to be seen in the fall because they are preparing for hibernation.

Small animals, particularly rats and mice, like to burrow inside pool heaters. To keep them out, seal any entry points with caulk or steel wool. Then, place mothballs inside or around your pool heater. As a final measure of protection, you can cover the pool heater in hardware cloth or wood paneling to further block entry points.

Natural swimming pools are designed to deter pests, including mosquitoes. While any body of water can potentially attract pests, the natural filtration system keeps the water clean and constantly moving. Mosquitoes specifically are attracted to standing water, so the continuously circulating water in a natural pool makes it an inhospitable environment for them.

Identifying the specific animal running on your roof at night can be challenging without direct observation. Common nocturnal roof visitors include raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and rats. Raccoons are bigger and can create heavy thumping sounds. Squirrels are agile and may produce rapid scurrying noises. Opossums tend to move stealthily with less noise. Rats can make scratching or gnawing sounds. To determine the culprit, look for signs like footprints, droppings, or damaged areas near the roof. For accurate identification, consult a pest control professional or set up wildlife cameras near potential entry points.