Surprising Facts About Wild Animals During Winter
Critter-Repellent.com Staff • December 3, 2020
The changing seasons mean changing animal behavior
The holiday season is upon us! Little do many people know, but humans aren't the only ones who gain a little weight throughout the winter months. While not every animal hibernates through the winter, many animals develop new behavior patterns as the weather turns colder. From dietary changes to novel survival strategies, wildlife’s winter time reponses can easily go unnoticed. Here are some surprising facts about wild animals throughout the winter:
Annual fur changes
– While some animals rely on fat stores in order to survive frigid winter temperatures, others completely regrow their fur. Most notably, deer will grow thicker, darker guard hairs, as well as a more robust undercoat. This thicker fur will be darker in color than the spring and summer coats which deer sport; unlike the snowshoe hare. This medium-sized species of hare is a coarse brown/grey during the warmer seasons, but grows a thicker, longer coat for winter which is nearly stark white, allowing the animal to better blend in with the snowy surroundings.
Bears are not true hibernators
– While probably pop culture’s favorite hibernating animal, bears do not meet the threshold of bodily-function-reduction requirements for true hibernation. The animal’s heart rate and oxygen consumption will drastically decrease, but bears are relatively easy to awaken during their winter rest. Despite not being true hibernators, bears will not defecate or urinate during the winter months, instead their bodies will recycle the nutrients in these potential bodily wastes.
Hibernation is not spent completely asleep
– Animals that do hibernate will not spend the entire winter in a deep sleep. While the metabolism of hibernators takes a drastic decline, the animals still need to awaken every so often in order to eat, hydrate, and pass waste. If you happen upon an animal which is supposed to be hibernating during the winter, chances are good they are perfectly healthy and just in need of a snack!
Food is still bountiful – Many people assume that a lack of vegetation means that there is a lack of food available for wild animals. It is however the case that many herbivorous animals will switch their diets from greenery and flowers to bark, small sticks or twigs, and sometimes mosses which remain on rocks. These more fibrous foods can be harder to digest for the animals in search of a good dinner, but provide starchy nutrients in order to keep the animals well insulated through the coldest months of the year.
Birds can migrate using the Earth’s magnetic field – Birds can’t use a GPS, so they had to figure out their own path for their annual trips south. Some birds seem to more heavily rely on sensory input within the bounds of human comprehension. Visual cues and mental maps of terrain both play a role in a bird’s migration path, but magnetoreception is a major player in their movements. Salmon and butterflies are both capable of this same skill of reading the Earth’s magnetic field in order to migrate.
Winter brings change to not just the environment, but to everyone and everything which lives in an area affected by winter weather. No matter if the animal in question is a hibernator or not, the wildlife around you is sure to be behaving differently as the cold weather tightens its grip across the northern hemisphere.
Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
