December 3, 1999

     Non-hibernating Wildlife

For much of our non-hibernating wildlife, winter is the season of hardship.

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.