hibernation

Survival of the Coolest

It’s easy to think of winter as a time of stillness and dormancy, a period when life retreats, awaiting the thaw of spring. But for the inhabitants of the natural … Read more

welcomia

QUIZ: To Chill or Not to Chill

A small, furry, rodent-like mammal sits on rocks.

Surviving the Snow: The Amazing Adaptations of Three Winter Wonders

When the temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, it’s easy to assume that the natural world goes into a state of hibernation. But the truth is that … Read more

Frogs That Freeze Solid

Different animals use different strategies to survive winter. Some species migrate south, others grow thick coats, and some fatten up or stash food reserves. Many species hibernate or go dormant to … Read more

Sleeping Animals that are as Shutdown as the Government

While our government is still hibernating, I wanted to highlight some fascinating ways wildlife “shutdown”. 8 Random Facts About Animal “Shutdowns” 1. Eastern box turtles spend nights concealed in a shallow depression … Read more

Could We Hibernate?

It’s that time of year again. I am sitting on my couch under my heaviest blanket with my third cup of coffee, stirred with a candy cane, after just having … Read more

Chipmunk Maine Eric J. Eklund 112662 NWF photo contest 2004

NOT Alvin and the Chipmunks: 10 Facts You May Not Know about the Real Rodents

Christmas time, and our thoughts turn to—chipmunks. Yes, it is odd that a hibernating rodent would become associated with Christmas, but that is the miracle of radio and a hit … Read more

10 Things You May Not Know About Groundhogs

The groundhog, also known as the woodchuck or the mouse bear (because it looks like a miniature bear when sitting upright), first won its reputation as a weather prognosticator in … Read more

It’s National Wildlife Week on Wildlife Promise, and beyond!

It is National Wildlife Week, and NWF hopes children will take a walk on the wild side this week—and stay there, for their physical health and engagement with the natural world. Read more