January 19, 2001

     Winter and Wildlife

For much of our non-hibernating wildlife, winter is the season of hardship; it is not easily defeated.

The red fox must always be on the alert for its prey and its enemies; in winter it must conserve energy by walking in shallow snow, staying out of the wind, and taking in the Sun's warmth whenever possible.

Gray squirrels are busy locating acorns and other food, each piece of which was separately buried in the ground.  When the landscape is snow covered, squirrels still rely on smell to find their food.

Meanwhile the true hibernators, such as the garter snake, the painted turtle, the woodchuck, and black bear slumber on.

Even in the cold, preparations for new life are taking place.  Some fish spawn in winter.  On mild nights in January and February, raccoons and striped skunks are active and looking for mates.  During the daylight hours, both downy and hairy woodpeckers are heard drumming; they hammer on resonant trees to announce their territories, attract mates, or establish pair bonds.