What Can We Learn From Wildlife Adaptations to Winter?
(excerpted in part from King County Parks’ “County Tracks”)

Winter is a tough season in Washington, whether you’re on the very wet and flood-prone westside or the very snowy and cold eastside.

Our resident wildlife obviously adapts to the challenges of winter weather, and we might learn something from them to better enjoy the season ourselves.

Birds and mammals either avoid winter by migrating or hibernating, or they stay active in winter by adapting to the conditions.

Some wildlife, such as elk and deer, migrate altitudinally, or up and down a mountainside. They live higher up in elevation in the summer where there is a good food source, and move down in elevation in the winter where there is less severe weather and continuing food sources. Other wildlife migrate longitudinally, or north and south. In the Northern Hemisphere, many birds move north in the spring to find more abundant food sources and space to raise young, then fly south in the fall to avoid severe winter weather and a diminished food supply.

Some true hibernators, such as chipmunks or marmots, may dramatically lower their body temperature, respiration and heart beat and live off their stored body fat. Black bears will enter into a state of deep sleep, winter dormancy, or “torpor.” They will dig a den and sleep for varied lengths of time depending on snow cover. Torpor does not bring on the dramatic changes of hibernation. Bears can move around in their den, venture outside for a short time, and even give birth and nurse newborns while in torpor.

Some winter-active animals will change their fur or feather colors to blend into their surroundings. This is important for a prey species, like the ptarmigan, to avoid capture, and for a predator species, like the long-tailed weasel, to be stealthy; both turn white in their snowy environment.

Red squirrels will cache or store food for use throughout the winter. If you observe a large mound of conifer cones while hiking a forest, you’ve probably discovered a squirrel midden or cache for winter use.

In areas with regular snow cover, white-footed deer mice and voles remain active under the snow, using it as an insulating blanket.

Large mammals grow more fur along their flanks and back. The hollow guard hairs trap air and help to reduce temperature loss. These same animals will also add more layers of fat to their bodies to insulate against the cold and provide a source of energy if food becomes scarce. Many ungulates (hoofed mammals) lower their metabolism in the winter to conserve energy. Because of this, it is important not to disturb resting deer and elk in the winter.

The Black-capped chickadee actually grows more feathers in winter to stay warm. Fluffing their feathers adds air and increases insulation, like a down comforter, during those chilly dark nights of winter. They roost together as a group for longer hours with severe cold weather. In laboratory tests, chickadees have been shown to lower their body temperatures by 18-20 degrees into a hypothermic state, and then recover, thus saving energy.

Adaptation is defined as any trait (behavioral or physiological) that allows an animal to live successfully in its environment. Wildlife has learned to adapt to winter conditions over many thousands of years. These animals have learned to live with their environment, rather than attempting to change it to fit their needs – a lesson we could all take to heart.

Since most of us can’t avoid winter by migrating out of Washington for the whole season (or going into a deep sleep for months!), try some adaptations yourself. Make an effort this winter to explore the outdoors of your own sanctuary and beyond by adapting to the conditions. Invest in good raingear and other winter wear and dress in layers; try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to move more easily in snow and to keep active; and take along lots of high-calorie snacks and warm liquids to enjoy the season!

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