Virginia Wildlife in the Winter

by: Avery Thom '27

Though ecosystems may seem dead or empty at the moment, just looking out the window shows that wildlife are very much still active. Below are just a few short descriptions of the amazing behaviors and adaptations that animals use to survive the Northern Virginia winters.

Coyotes and foxes actually do not hibernate during the winter. In fact, they may be seen more often as they wander about. Both coyotes and foxes grow thicker fur to combat the severe winter weather, which may cause them to look larger than normal. Due to their bushy winter coats, staying warm is not a problem for either of the predators, but rather finding food is the main concern. Using their incredible hearing and smell, the hunters are able to find the remaining mice, squirrels, and birds, but may have to travel closer to developed areas to do so.

Birds such as Northern Cardinals, Chickadees, and Finches do not migrate, but bear out the winter by fluffing up their feathers, which creates an insulating layer of air around them. They also tuck their feet underneath themselves to stay warm, which is why they appear so chubby. By staying close to food sources such as bird feeders and any other bugs or wild seed they can find and huddling in tree cavities or dense shrubs, the small creatures bear out the winter until spring comes around again.

Unlike any other creature, amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, along with box turtles, bury themselves under layers of dirt to stay warm and go into a hibernation-like state. These holes must be below the frost line, which is around eighteen inches, in order to keep the animals warm enough. Box turtles dig up to two feet and start digging in November. Once spring brings warm weather and the last of the cold nights have ended, they dig themselves up.

A common sight in Northern Virginia, White Tailed Deer, bear out the cold weather by growing a thicker coat and staying near food sources in groups. In the winter, deer rely on eating acorns, buds and twigs of fruit trees, and young tree growth to survive. When temperatures get particularly harsh, they lay down and curl up for sometimes days on end and rely on fat reserves for energy.

Even though nothing may seem alive in winter, there are still many animals that bear out the winter with amazing behaviors and adaptations. Taking a moment to see these creatures in action is a wonderful privilege that everyone can enjoy by simply looking right outside their window.