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: https://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1542285
66 Nebraskaland • December 2025 MIXED BAG Although the chilly months can be harsh, the resourcefulness of Nebraska's animals is to be appreciated. Hoarding and Stashing Species such as squirrels, moles, birds and shrews get ready for winter by storing food in the warmer months, a behavior known as "caching." Gray squirrels, for example, collect acorns, walnuts and other nuts, burying them in various spots. Impressively, they rely on memory and scent to recover hidden food, even months later. Another mammal that stores food, though in a different way, is the short-tailed shrew. They mostly hunt insect larvae, and their saliva contains a toxin that, when injected through a bite, paralyzes the prey, allowing shrews to store it in their nest for later meals. Foraging Through the Snow Deer and elk remain active year-round and continue to search for food even when snow blankets the ground. Their broad hooves allow them to dig through the snow to uncover food underneath. When their usual food sources, such as grasses and shrubs, are no longer accessible, they switch to browsing on tree bark, twigs and woody plants. Similarly, many bird species in Nebraska have adapted to winter foraging by altering their diets. Birds like the northern cardinal and downy woodpecker feed on seeds from trees and shrubs that remain accessible during the colder months. Other birds, such as the black-capped chickadee, forage for insects found in tree bark or logs that can still be uncovered on the frozen landscape. During winter, many birds also visit bird feeders where people provide seeds and suet, helping to supplement their diets. Coyotes and red foxes are opportunistic feeders. In addition to hunting small mammals and birds and scavenging carcasses, they may also turn to fruits, berries and other plant matter when animal food sources are scarce. Hunting in Winter Hawks, owls and foxes rely on their sharp senses and hunting skills to catch prey. Red foxes use their acute hearing to detect voles and mice moving beneath the snow. With precise calculation, they leap into the air and dive headfirst into the snow, breaking through the frozen surface to snatch their meal. This hunting method, called "mousing," is a spectacular display of agility and accuracy. Great horned owls are master hunters of the night. Their exceptional low-light vision and near-silent flight allow them to find and ambush prey undetected. Red-tailed hawks remain active during the day. With their keen eyesight, eight times sharper than that of humans, they can spot a vole or rabbit from great distances. Human Assistance Bird feeders stocked with seeds and suet can be a lifeline for species like chickadees, finches and woodpeckers. However, it's important for people to feed wildlife responsibly. Don't leave out food for deer or other mammals, as large gatherings of animals can spread disease and attract predators. Instead, create a wildlife-friendly backyard with native plants and shrubs to support wildlife through the winter. Seed heads on plants like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans provide food, while brush piles give shelter for small mammals and birds. HOW ANIMALS FIND FOOD IN WINTER By Monica Macoubrie, Outdoor Education Specialist Mule deer forage under a blanket of snow north of Hay Springs. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND A black-capped chickadee searches for remaining seeds near Chadron. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND