HERE COMES WINTER
            In northwest Illinois, we survive winter weather the best we can. We find shelter in our warm homes, we wear heavy clothing, we get food from the grocery store, and we travel mostly in vehicles where we are sheltered from the wind. Some of us leave for warmer climate and some of us adapt to the out-of-doors and find delight in recreational activities that snow and ice provide.
            What about the world of wildlife? What can we do for wildlife in winter?
            For those that migrate we can keep habitat available for their travel and stopovers. Birds head for warmer climate. Mammals, such as bats, caribou, elk, and whales travel in search of food. Many fish swim south or move into deeper, warmer water. Monarch butterflies are noted for their long distance travel to life-saving climate. Earthworms and some insects move downward into the soil for protection from the winter elements.
            For those that stay around and adapt to winter weather, we can leave trees, logs, rocks, dead plants, and leaves for shelter and food gathering, and keep bird feeders well-supplied. Tracks in the snow witness to the fact that some animals remain with us and stay active in winter by adapting to harsh weather. They grow thicker fur or fluff their feathers. Some, such as squirrels, gather and store food. Rabbits and deer eat moss, twigs, bark, and leaves. Holes in trees or logs, under rocks or leaves, or underground provide shelter. A few insects, such as snow fleas, are active in winter living on leaf and plant residues. And, as many ice-fishermen know, fish can stay active in water under the ice using a layer of air between water and ice for a supply of oxygen.
            For those that hibernate, we can leave them undisturbed. Hibernating is one solution to food supply in winter. These animals simply use up stored body fat and “sleep” the winter away. Some waken for short periods but the grizzly and black bears may sleep as long as six months without stirring. A few hibernating animals sleep more lightly and wake up for brief periods of mild weather to move around and eat.
For cold-blooded animals we can maintain ponds, lakes, and rivers deep enough to hold water and air under the ice. Water makes a good shelter for many animals. Fish, frogs, snakes, and turtles have no body system to warm their blood. They move to the bottom of the water and in some cases even bury themselves in the mud. Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water, and the frogs and turtles can breath by absorbing oxygen through their skin.
“Whatever works” might be a good slogan for winter survival of wildlife – and us.
Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District, an equal opportunity provider and employer, 12/01/10 (for publication on 12/14//10 in the Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois) Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org