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Plants and Animals Facing Winter
Looking outside in winter, it’s hard to imagine where all the animals of summer have gone. Some can still be seen. Others fly south for the winter. Still others hunker down and wait it out, out of sight and out of mind. What do animals and plants do in the cold and how do they make it through the winter season? Let’s explore some of the amazing ways animals deal with snow, ice, and cold.
Mammals Facing Winter
Some mammals, like the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) remain active all winter. Their heavy fur and fat reserves allow them to survive even the roughest conditions.
Some mammals, like tree squirrels, remain generally active, but can experience torpor if the weather turns very cold.