3 Impressive Ways Animals Adapt to Winter Conditions
“...Here are 3 of Canada’s iconic species with unique winter adaptation strategies to survive in the land of ice & snow...
1. Padded paws - Canada lynx
The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) is one of Canada’s big cats. The main distinction from the bobcat is the lynx’s thick grey fur, longer ear tufts, & black-tipped tail. Despite their size, with males weighing up to 17 kilograms (37 pounds), Canada lynxes have no problem trekking on deep snow thanks to their large furred paws that act like snowshoes. This feature makes them well adapted for stalking & ambushing prey...
The majestic moose (Alces alces), which comes from the Algonquian First Nations “moosh” meaning stripper & eater of bark, is the largest member of the deer family. Several key adaptations help to keep the 450-kilogram (on average) vegetarian comfy throughout winter. Both sexes are outfitted with a thick coat of hollow guard hairs that provides insulation &, buoyancy on land & in water. Their cloven hooves also keep them from sinking in deep snow & soft mud. In the winter, male moose also shed those massive antlers to conserve energy & nutrients.
...For the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), one of the strongest & most impressive mammals in North America, winter is a time of dormancy. To prepare for the season, grizzlies fill up their energy reserves by eating an omnivorous...diet & dig dens with their powerful muscles & sharp claws. Contrary to common belief, grizzlies are not true hibernators because their body temperatures only drop a few degrees & respiration rate slows to slightly below normal. In fact, bears can wake up & even become active if weather turns uncharacteristically warm!
Wendy Ho
Dec./2015
care2.com
Cute Critter Pic:
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