4 Ways Animals Stay Warm Through Winter

As winter approaches and the weather begins to chill, many of us flock to the warmth of the indoors, snuggle under blankets or sip some hot cocoa to stay comfortable. You may wonder, what about animals outside, without these little luxuries? Don’t worry! They have many systems for staying safe and warm when cold weather rolls around. Keep reading to uncover the science behind a few of the common ways animals survive the colder months.

Growing a Warm Coat

When we go out in the snow, we often layer up with coats, hats and gloves. Many mammal species take a similar approach – but they grow their own! Mammals like raccoons and coyotes prepare for winter by growing a thick, compact fur coat.

Grouping Up to Share Heat

Have you ever started to feel toasty when standing in a crowd of people? Some animals use this strategy to stay warm too! It involves sharing body heat by snuggling near one another in groups. Penguins, bats, sea lions and several other critters can be found huddling up to each other for warmth in cold weather.

Moving Somewhere More Suitable

With chilling temperatures and a reduction in food supply, some creatures respond to colder months by moving to more suitable conditions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service puts many birds, insects, whales and even caribou on the list of migratory animals. Have you ever thought of escaping cold weather by traveling south to warmer states?

Slowing Down to Conserve Energy

Does cold weather ever make you want to stay in and nap? If so, you’re in the company of animals like bears, snakes and groundhogs that experience a period of dormancy in winter months. There are several ways animals can be dormant in winter, but one well-known way is through hibernation. The animal’s heart rate slows, metabolism is reduced to withstand scarce food supply, and they even lower their body temperature! The critter uses stored food or fat to sustain them in the winter while significantly reducing their activity.

Read All About It

For curious kids looking to uncover interesting details and vibrant illustrations about animals adapting to a wintry environment, pick up a book like those listed below and take some time to read together!

• Winter’s Coming: A Story of Seasonal Change by Jan Thornhill
• Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss
• Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekjian

Keep Exploring

To discover more interesting, everyday science in the world around us, be sure to keep an eye on our blog!