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Where do Animals go in Winter?

© Mary M. Alward

It's that time of year. The days are growing short. The leaves are changing color and falling off the trees. Temperatures are dropping a little each day. The days are cooler and the nights are chilly. It won't be long until the ground is covered in frost in the early morning. As the days pass, we will awaken one morning to find snow covering the ground.

Humans cope easily with the coming of winter. We don heavy coats, boots, scarves, hats and mittens. People who grow gardens have preserved food for winter. Others can go to the grocery store to stock shelves, refrigerators and freezers. But how do animals, birds and insects cope with frigid temperatures and deep snow?

Animals do amazing things to prepare for winter. Some migrate (travel to warmer climates). Others, like wolves, dogs, and fox, grow thicker fur. Squirrels, beaver, mice and other small animals gather extra food in late summer and fall to store for the winter. Deer and rabbits eat moss, twigs and bark instead of grass and leaves. Red fox eat small rodents instead of fruit, grubs and insects. Fish can live in cold water under the ice.

Some animals stay underground in winter. Others find shelter in old logs, hollow trees, or under rocks and leaves. Still others hibernate for all or part of the winter. Hibernation is a very deep sleep. The animal's heart rate and breathing slow down. Its body temperature drops. It uses very little energy during hibernation and has no need to eat. Its body feeds off fat that the animal has stored by eating extra food in the fall. Chipmunks, skunks and bears are just a few animals that hibernate.

Now you know how some animals cope with the winter months. It's not an easy task, but they manage. Though they are not seen much during this time, they are present. So, the next time you are walking in the woods or a pasture in winter, be alert. Although it may appear like there are no creatures about, you are probably being watched by some animal from his winter home.

Links:

Hibernating Animal Printouts

Animals in Winter

Hibernating Animals Word Search

Why do some animals hibernate?

EEK! Snug in the Snow - a hibernation story.

How Plants and Animals Survive in Winter

Photo courtesy of Classroom Clipart