Winter Mammals : Seasonal Animals of Winter : Deer : Wild Horses and Ponies : Whales and Dolphins : Wolves and Coyotes : Raccoons and Shrews : Mice and Rats : Bats

 

If you live in a cold climate, it can be challenging to survive the winter months. As temperatures drop, many of the animals that call your region home will begin to retreat indoors for warmth. To ensure their survival through the coldest parts of the year, many of these animals have developed special adaptations to cope with hibernation and endure the frosty months. With so many winter-friendly mammals, it can be hard to know which ones to turn to first when it’s time to prepare for the colder months. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of some of the most winter-friendly mammals you should know about as they prepare for winter.

Deer

Deer are known for their lush, evergreen foliage and appearance throughout the summer. In winter, however, these animals undergo a dramatic physical and behavioral shift as they move indoors for the season. At this time of year, deer are most active in the early mornings, when the temperature is the coldest. They will also spend the busiest part of the day from around noon to around 5 p.m., when the sunlight is at its strongest. These are all great indicators of when you should be outside trying to get a glimpse of your winter fawns. If you see any deer out in the wild, try to stop and take a few moments to appreciate their beauty.

Wild Horses and Ponies

Wild horses are one of the most winter-friendly mammals in North America. These animals can easily survive the coldest months thanks to their thick coats of hair and their ability to store excess body heat in their tails. Wild ponies, on the other hand, are more suited to the cooler temperatures of the British Isles. These ponies also have a thick coat of hair to keep them warm and are also able to feed on abundant fodder, which makes them an easy prey for predators. Wild horses are able to migrate to warmer destinations during winter and return in the spring. If you live in a part of the world where wild horses or ponies are common, you can follow their migration to see where they go each year.

Whales and Dolphins

Dolphins and whales are some of the most intelligent mammals on Earth, which makes them an easy choice for winter-friendly mammals. These animals have adapted to aquatic environments, so they are able to live comfortably in water and swim as they would when on land. Whales and dolphins also tend to be most active at midday, between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., when the temperature is the coldest. You’ll find them swimming and socializing in warm water while they wait for the sun to warm the water. If you live near a body of water where whales and dolphins are common, you can try to find a quiet moment to watch them. They’re some of the most fascinating mammals you’re likely to find.

Wolves and Coyotes

The majority of wolves in North America will move into winter dens and sleep through the cold months. However, there are a few subspecies that are more adapted to the cold. These wolves, known as arctic wolves, will increase their activity in the summer months and enter dens in the winter. Arctic coyotes, on the other hand, are able to survive anywhere in the country. These animals have adapted to eating many different types of food, which makes them an easy target for predators during winter. If you live in a region where coyotes and wolves are common, you can look for these animals to see if they have moved into a den or if they have any extra energy from the warm season. If you see coyotes or wolves with extra pep in their step, you can be sure that the weather is getting warmer.

Raccoons and Shrews

Raccoons are one of the most winter-friendly mammals in North America. This animal can survive in almost any climate and will make its home in almost any type of shelter. Shrews, on the other hand, are most active in winter when the temperature is the coldest. These animals will seek out burrows that have been abandoned by smaller mammals, where they can find shelter and food in the form of insects. If you live in a region where these two winter-friendly mammals are common, you can look for signs of raccoons as they seek out food and signs of shrews as they seek out shelter.

Mice and Rats

Mice and rats are known for their ability to adapt to almost any situation. These small mammals can survive in almost any type of habitat, making them one of the most winter-friendly mammals. They can even take shelter in the warmth of buildings and walls, making them a common sight in cities and towns. Mice and rats are most active in the afternoon, when the temperature is the coldest. You can look for these animals as they seek shelter and warmth.

Bats

Bats can be found in almost any climate, making them an excellent choice for winter survival. These animals are likely to be most active when the temperature is the coldest. Bats are also one of the most social mammals and will seek out caves for winter hibernation, which makes them easier to spot when it’s time to prepare for winter. If you live near a cave where bats are common, you can look for signs of their presence when it’s time to prepare for winter.

Conclusion

Wild animals are some of the most fascinating mammals, but few are as winter-friendly as deer, wild horses, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, shrews, mouses, rats and bats. These animals can survive in cold weather thanks to their thick coats of fur, their ability to migrate to warmer climates and their ability to find shelter in warm places like buildings and walls. If you live in a part of the world where these winter-friendly mammals are common, you can follow their migration to see where they go each year and prepare for winter by dressing warm and writing survival plans.