How Do Animals Survive the Extreme Temperatures During the Winter Months?

The temperatures have started to plummet. Humans are moving indoors in order to escape the harsh environmental conditions. Ice is starting to form and the season’s first snow has fallen.

We are all pulling out our thick socks, boots, and winter coats to ensure that we are capable of staying as warm as possible, but what about all of those animals – both domesticated and wild – that spend their time outdoors, despite the brutally cold temperatures?

How do they survive? How do they reach any level of comfort with all of the moisture, wind, ice, and freezing temperatures? In this brief guide, we will expound on just that.

  1. Many Undergo Changes to Ensure Proper Adaptation

Several animals experience changes as each season throughout the year occurs. This allows them the ability to properly adapt – especially during the summer and winter months. There are many that grow a thick coat of fur to prepare for plummeting temperatures.

Others are capable of quickly storing food and locating those storage facilities easily. Then, there are those that grow a coat that allows them to easily blend in within the environment where they reside.

  1. Several Animals Go into Hibernation

Hibernation is the key to winter survival success among several animals. This occurs when the creature falls into a state of deep sleep. All of the body’s system then start to slow in an effort to preserve that animal’s energy.

This is highly beneficial because during the winter months, the foods that the hibernating animals eat are low in availability. Once those food sources become plentiful due to seasonal changes, they awake from the deep sleep. Examples of the animals that hibernate include bears, chipmunks, and skunks.

  1. Other Types of Animals Migrate

The next survival mechanism utilized for winter survival among animals is migration. Essentially, this means that they move as the seasons change. When temperatures start to plummet in one environment, the animals will move to an area where the weather is warmer.

This is done so that they may find the food sources that they need in order to survive. Nearly everyone knows that birds migrate. Mammals in the water – such as whales and manatees – also engage in this process. Other types of mammals that engage in the act of migration include caribou, certain types of bats, and elk.

Are Wintering Creatures Becoming Bothersome?

Animals are just like humans in that they need water, food, and warmth to survive. In fact, their needs fall so close to our own that wintering animals often become troublesome for human populations.

This is especially true if they choose your property, storage facilities on your property, or even your home for winter shelter. Unfortunately, this does happen – and often. If you find animals moving in on the space that you and your family occupy, it may be time for wildlife control services.

Our professional team will work quickly and efficiently to ensure that all pests are removed from your home and the surrounding area. Call us today for more information: 855-465-1088

 

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