Under the Snow

By Beth Sullivan

It has been an interesting winter so far. We have had some really terrifically, deep, cold spells - some when there was snow on the ground, another time when the ground was bare. It is the time of severe cold with no snow cover that is hardest on plants and animals. While snow can be a nuisance or a hazard or a chore for us, it is an important factor in survival during the winter for so many elements of wildlife.

After this most recent snow fall, 7 inches here, of lovely fluffy stuff, it was interesting to get out and look for tracks in the snow and evidence of life underneath . Small mammals will actually thrive under the snow pack. Voles and mice have stored seeds and grains in their burrows since the fall. While most mammals will slow down a bit during the winter, many will remain active, tunneling shallowly under leaves and loose soil. It is not uncommon to see shrews or voles disturbing the soil under birdfeeders, like small earthquakes as they search for seed remnants or insects. However, even such small movements are very noticeable to predators. But once the snow blankets the ground, they can actually tunnel more freely. They can move between protective hiding places and food sources and usually avoid detection.

My resident chipmunk emerged from her semi-hibernation, to pop her head through the leaves in perfect position under the bird feeder. I watched as she stuffed her cheeks full of seeds, several times, then retreated into the burrow. This was a day before the snow storm. I wonder how she knew. I have seen wonderful images of foxes triangulating their senses on an underground burrow, then leaping high and diving head first into the deep snow to catch their prey. I have witnessed it only once, and it is truly a wonder to watch. Owls have hearing abilities that allow them to do the same, and while they do not hurl themselves head first into the snow, they can land with spread wings and thrust their talons deeply to latch their target.

A Fox family made this den and the tracks and dirty snow indicated it was actively used.

A large bird of prey, likely an owl, was able to hear a small mammal under the snow cover. Photograph by Rick Newton.

When the snow melts, the  tunnels used by small mammals are revealed.

My resident chipmunk come out to snack in between storms.

Evidence appears come Spring

When the snow melts in the spring, it is also easy to see trails etched into the grasses and dirt that point out the well-worn paths these creatures have used all winter. It can be a problem when these trails wander through and under favored garden plants.

This is the time of season when brush piles and tangled hedgerows are their most valuable as refuge in the winter for many creatures. The heavy snow catches on upper branches and preserves open areas beneath for hiding. Dense shrubs that are alive provide an extra bonus. Small mammals will seek living bark and gnaw it for valuable sustenance. However, the longer the snow is on the ground, the longer they have to gnaw, and when spring arrives, stems have been girdled and the branch will die. Under the bark of trees, insects remain, some in a suspended state - some as larva, some as eggs - but available as food for birds if above the snow line, and for shrews under the snow.

The deeper snow cover also offers insulation. Hard to believe but the snow pack remains warmer, closer to the freezing point, while the air above may have temperatures plummeting to zero. Plants survive bitter winters much better when there is a constant snow cover.

Whether you observe from a window, or strap on snowshoes and get out into the snow, take some time to think about what is happening below the drifts. Think of all the wonderful adaptations wildlife has to survive in the places we preserve for them.

Twigs under the snow are gnawed by small mammals while protected by snow cover.

Don't you wish you could read the story these tracks tell.

Winter presents a bigger challenge for a fox who will need to locate food deep under snow. Photograph by Rick Newton.

Photographs by Beth Sullivan unless otherwise indicated.

Where did the Fox go?

Beth Sullivan has been away, so we're re-posting an older entry that seems fitting for our very cold spring weather.  Beth returns next week.

By Beth Sullivan

We all have been through some pretty brutally cold weather recently and some pretty erratic temperature swings. Can you imagine what a toll it takes on our resident wildlife?

Take a winter or cold spring walk and, if you are really lucky, find a child to take with you. Think like an animal in winter.

Any nature preserve or bit of woodland or backyard will work, but try Paffard Woods off North Main Street in Stonington.

We tend to think of mammals in winter as hibernators, but in reality most of them are not. Locally the Woodchuck or Groundhog is our deepest sleeper. In the late fall they fatten up and retreat into deep burrows, far below the cold surface. Their metabolism slows, and they will not emerge until February or March. Woodchucks can be found in woodlands, but more usually along farm fields and open lands, their burrows marked by mounds of earth.

Red Fox

Most of our other resident mammals are only semi-hibernators. They may be inactive for long periods of extreme cold and bad weather, but will rouse themselves and move about during the winter months.

The Red Fox will adopt a Woodchuck burrow in a more open area and preferably near water. They pair up in winter and dig or expand a den as part of the bonding process. You may come upon a woodchuck hole with what appears to be a lot of new gravel at the entrance. At this time of year, Woodchucks are sleeping. It is the Red Fox doing the digging. You can often sniff out a fox den too; they have an odor similar to skunk which lingers near their abode. They hunt mice and small rodents and have an uncanny ability to find them deep beneath snow. Have that child you are with look for mice tunnels, look for foot prints in the snow, and look for holes that look active and smell skunky. That’s where the Fox goes!

In the woods, look up and down for holes: holes up in trees, at the base of trees, in crevices, under rocks and by stone walls. Little ones and big ones. Just imagine what might be in them.

Large hollows in trees are good for many mammals.

The Gray Fox is our true native fox, and they tend to like the rocky woods. Look for holes at the bases of the ledges and between boulders. With the brook nearby, that would be a perfect place for a den.

The Gray Fox likes a rocky den.

Opossums and Skunks are usually considered nocturnal, but during the winter they make use of the warmth of daytime to forage. They will hole up in a tree cavity or hollow log, often in family groups. It’s warmer that way.

Gray Squirrel.

Holes at the base of trees often lead to tunnels higher up in the core of the tree. Hollowed out by ants, smaller creatures, like Chipmunks, will stash their nuts and seeds and remain sheltered inside. Squirrels will make use of holes, but also make big fluffy, leafy nests high in the branches and may rotate their lodgings as the mood strikes them.

A Squirrel's leafy nest.

Chipmunks will nest in stone walls.

Hickory nut shells at the base of this tree hint that someone is inside.

Raccoons will be active irregularly during the winter. When it is truly cold and stormy, they will seek refuge usually high in a tree, a hollow or snag. You might even find a raccoon peering out at you from a high safe place as you take a winter walk, but you have to be looking!

Small holes for squirrels and even some birds are found high up in trees.

Get that child to stop and look, all around. Find the holes high up and low down. Look in the ledges, wall, trees and stumps. Think like an animal and see where he or she might choose to spend a cold winter day.

Photographs by Rick Newton and Beth Sullivan.