Nine Wonderful Ways Wildlife Need Trees
From seed to sapling, from regal beauty to rotting log, our native trees give life to a truly amazing range of wildlife.
Living trees are an important food source for wildlife. They provide cover for resting, getting out of the bad weather, and hiding from predators. Many wildlife species use trees as places to nest, lay eggs and raise their young.
Standing dead and dying trees, called snags, are also used for nests, storage, foraging and perching. Even decaying trees serve a purpose – as hiding places, ground cover and to provide nutrients to the soil for seedlings.
In preparation for our upcoming Trees for Wildlife Giving Tuesday campaign (give early here!) to plant 1,000 native trees for wildlife, we present nine wonderful and remarkable ways that wildlife need trees.
Hibernation in Hollow Trees: American Black Bears

American black bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Dan Ridolphi.
Feeding on Leaves of Wild Cherry, Ash, Poplars: Tiger Swallowtail

Tiger swallowtail butterfly. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kathy Koets.
Living Mostly In and Between Trees: Flying Squirrels

Eastern flying squirrel. Photo by Hazel Galloway.
Feasting on Caterpillars: Breeding Birds

A warbler in the Viera Wetlands, Florida. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Susan Marshall.
Finding Food: Porcupines

Porcupine. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Joan Saba.
Habitat Protected and Enriched: Frogs and Fish

Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Jeremy La Zelle.
Staying Safe at Night: Arboreal Salamanders

Photo by Sally Farallon, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Deadwood for Life: Raccoons

Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Carol Cox.
Living in the Crevices of Loose Bark: Bats

A brown bat roosting on a tree trunk. Photo by Mark Graham, National Park Service.
Please join us in celebrating all the ways trees help wildlife this Giving Tuesday by donating to help plant 1,000 trees for wildlife.