How do animals survive in winter?

Part 2: Getting a winter makeover

Last time I visited Henrietta, we chatted about migration. Today I popped over to learn a bit more about a different way animals can survive winter.

Adaptation

Not all animals leave in winter - some adapt. This means they make changes that allow them to survive and stay active in the winter.

Some birds, such as the black-capped chickadee, stick around in winter. To stay warm, chickadees "fluff" themselves up. This traps more air between their feathers, and keeps them warm just like a down-filled blanket may keep you warm. At night, they drop their body temperature - this allows them to use less energy trying to stay warm (it's like turning down a thermostat!).

Chickadees fluffing themselves up for the winter

In winter, deer keep warm by growing special hollow hairs which trap air. They also grow a dense wool-like under-fur and store fat in fall to keep them warm. The fat gives them energy too, since food is harder to find in winter.

Squirrels also grow thicker fur to stay warm in winter. However, unlike deer, they don't search for food in winter. Instead, they feed on large reserves of nuts and seeds that they hid away in fall.

Beavers do the same thing - in fall, they gather branches and store them at the bottom of their pond. When the pond freezes, they don't leave the pond all winter - they bring their food reserves into their lodge (where they live).

Beavers spending winter in their lodge

Look around when you're outside - you may spot some more animals that stay active in winter! More winter survival strategies coming up next time...