We often think of animals hibernating or otherwise hunkering down for the winter. While many species hibernate, a good amount of critters will stay active through the season, even if to a lesser extent. Below, we will discuss some of the animals you might spot around your New York or New Jersey property during the Winter months.
White Tail Deer Stay Active During the Winter
While deer tend to be solitary or live in small groups for the rest of the year, they move as a herd in the winter. Local deer populations gather together for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they can travel through snowy conditions more easily, as they pack in the snow from walking the same trails. As a group, they can find more abundant food sources. Deer grow a thicker, more water-resistant coat during the winter to keep themselves warm and dry. When looking for additional food, they may turn to winter plants used in landscaping, such as ornamental kale and hearty shrubbery.
Active Squirrels Forage
Squirrels are active year-round. In the Fall, they fatten up and create food caches throughout their area. When needed, they will venture out for these caches. If need be, squirrels will explore local dumpsters or trash cans for additional meals. While nuts and berries are their primary food source, squirrels are omnivorous and can eat a variety of scraps if need be.
Beavers Breeding Season
Beavers stay active in the Winter, but they mainly hide in and around their dams. The beavers’ oil glands waterproof their coats and also help protect them from the elements. Beavers will fatten themselves up during the Fall for the colder months. Their tails can act as additional storage for fat to provide energy through the Winter. Beavers breed during January and February while safely hidden in their dams.
Skunks and Active Warm Spells
Skunks tend to hunker down and remain dormant for much of the Winter, but they don’t hibernate. Rather, they will come out on warmer days to forage for food. The dormancy they experience is known as torpor. In suburban areas, this often results in garbage raids. These omnivorous animals can eat most food scraps and are not generally picky eaters. While skunks are often solitary, they gather in communal dens for warmth in the Winter. Because of this, attics, sheds, and crawl spaces can be ideal bunkers for a group of skunks.
Racoon Torpor
Similar to skunks, raccoons experience torpor. They will come out during warmer nights to forage and scavenge. They will raid trash cans often during these warmer spells. Unlike skunks, raccoons do not group for the Winter. They may look to attics, sheds, or chimneys to den in the winter.