I always wondered what exactly happens to ants in the Rocky Mountains during winter? I see them all over in the summer, then I don’t see them during the cold, snowy winter, yet they are back the next spring and summer. It makes me wonder what they are doing all winter. Continue reading
winter
Where are the Fish in Winter?
Snow covered Rocky Mountains in winter
Last week I went for a walk in the Rocky Mountains on a snowy trail that wandered through some evergreen trees and ended up at an ice covered lake. The ice was thick enough for me to run on, although it was hard because every time I tried to slow down or turn I slipped and fell down.
The funny thing is, I remember hiking to that same lake in the Rockies during the summer and watching my owner catch fish. He must have caught ten trout in that lake and a couple more in the stream that leaves the lake on the way up the valley. But, now I see nothing except ice and snow.
It makes me wonder where are all of the fish? Here comes another fun nature fact. Continue reading
Do Any Animals Have Babies in Winter?
As we have talked about before all animals main goal is life is to survive, which includes having babies. This means that animals have their babies at the time of year that gives them the best chance of surviving.
For the majority of animals that means timing it so that they have their babies when the there is the greatest abundance of food resources – meaning the springtime. When we think of spring time we think of new plants growing and babies – baby birds in nests, baby coyotes and wolves…and baby bears emerging from their dens (?) Continue reading
How do Plants Survive the Winter?
All forms of life do something in order to survive winter in the Rocky Mountains – many animals choose to migrate, hibernate, or adapt. Trees can’t migrate, so they drop all their leaves and go dormant, which is similar to hibernating.
But, what about all the other plants that are in the landscape – mainly what happens to those beautiful meadows of wildflowers? Continue reading
How Do Trees Survive Winter?
The cold, freezing, short days of winter in the Rocky Mountains are not the best time of year for most forms of life. It is not easy to survive and all forms of life have different strategies for how to survive it. Many animals migrate, hibernate or adapt.
But, what about those forms of life, such as trees, that can not simply leave the area or go underground into a nice, comfy den? How do they survive the winter? Continue reading
How Do Mammals Survive the Winter?
Winter is coming to the Rocky Mountains…
Some people get ready for winter by chopping wood, cleaning out the gutters, checking the insulation on the house, and buying new winter coats for the family. If it is going to be a really bad winter, then you may buy a new snow shovel or make sure the snowblower is working properly. Continue reading