NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/760935
D o you ever wonder what animals do to survive winter? Nebraska's wildlife species do one of three things – migrate, hibernate, or stay active. Let's take a look at each of these survival tactics. MIGRATORS Waterfowl migrate south because they need food. Waterfowl such as geese and ducks feed mainly on aquatic (water) plants and insects. When the water freezes in Nebraska they can't find enough food. The warmer weather in the south means they will have plenty of food. Monarch butterflies that hatch in Nebraska migrate south to the mountains in central Mexico before migrating back north in the spring. When they arrive in Texas they mate, lay their eggs, and die. When the next generation is ready, they fly a little farther north. It will take three generations of monarchs to make it back to Nebraska the next summer. Did you know that some of our "winter resident" animals actually come from areas to our north? When they can't find food up north, they migrate south to Nebraska. A good example is the dark-eyed junco. HIBERNATORS Hibernation is a form of dormancy, or inactivity, that some animals use to survive winter. For some animals, this means truly sleeping throughout the winter. They do not eat, drink water or move around. But, they still breathe the same amount of oxygen. These animals are known as "true hibernators." Examples of Nebraska true hibernators are little brown bats, woodchucks and some ground squirrels. Other animals will go into "torpor," which means they will sleep for long periods of time, but will occasionally wake up, eat and move around. Skunks and bears are good examples. Then other animals go into what is known as "brumation." This means that they are not truly asleep, but rather slowed down. They do not eat, but still need water. They slow down their breathing and need less oxygen. Snakes go into brumation. STAY ACTIVE You may notice squirrels and rabbits are active in winter. Raccoons may sleep for several days during severe cold, but otherwise are active. Chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, and tufted titmice will hang out all winter in a flock to help find food and watch for danger. White-tailed deer, foxes and great-horned owls are all active throughout the winter. To survive the cold, these species must eat a lot. This extra food helps create extra energy, which goes into keeping their body warm. interesting notes for readers of all ages by Lindsay Rogers and Donna Schimonitz Winter is a Busy Time of Year! By Deborah Woracek, Fontenelle Forest Nature Center What Do I Do For Winter? Identify if these animals migrate, hibernate or stay awake. junior journal junior journal junior journal Fox squirrel photo by Getty Images NATURE CALENDAR Squirrels gather in nests to conserve energy: All winter American goldfinch males begin molting into bright yellow breeding plumage: Late February Woodpeckers feeding on suet and bird feeders:Throughout the winter Bullfrogs begin hibernation: Early to late November Answers top to bottom: hog-nosed snake hibernates, rainbow trout stays active, mallard duck migrates. Getty Images from NEBRASKAland‛s Trail Tales magazine for kids DECEMBER 2016 • NEBRASKAland 81