What happens with Minnesota’s wildlife in winter? Test your knowledge of how animals survive in Minnesota parks and trails during winter.
What happens with Minnesota’s wildlife in winter? Test your knowledge of how animals survive in Minnesota parks and trails during winter.
The Snowshoe Hare turns white in winter!
Minnesota is home to three kinds of rabbits/hares that look similar. Both the Snowshoe Hare and White-tailed Jackrabbit turn white in winter, although the White-tailed Jackrabbit’s fur is a mottled white.
Photo by Dave Doe/Flickr CC
These are River Otter tracks!
River Otters often hop and slide through the snow, seemingly embracing the joys of winter.
These are Snowshoe Hare tracks!
All three of the rabbits/hares that live in Minnesota (Cottontail, Whitetail Jackrabbit and Snowshoe Hare) make very similar tracks with just minor size differences. Notice that the front, larger prints are actually the hind legs that jump ahead of the front paws.
These are Whitetail Deer tracks!
These deer make heart-shaped prints with their hoofs that follow a neat line when they walk. The hind hoof falls directly into the print created by the fore hoof.
Photo by National Park Service
The Short-tailed Weasel turns white in winter!
Minnesota has three kinds of weasels (Short-tailed, Long-tailed and Least Weasel) that all turn white in winter.
Minks and Weasels look similar, but Minks are larger and only have white on their chin, while weasels have white or yellowish bellies (and turn fully white in winter).
In the photo below the weasel is performing a “war dance” to distract its prey. Check out this National Geographic video to learn more about this dance.
The FALSE statement is that snowy owls turn brown in summer!
Snowy owls actually stay white all year. The photo shows a female Snowy Owl with dark bands.
True!
Even though you likely won’t see many beavers in winter, they are staying active within their lodges, which are usually occupied by a family group. They often swim out through an underwater entrance and forage for vegetation in the water. The lodge rarely dips below freezing thanks to their body heat and good insulation.
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
275 4th St E, Suite 250
St. Paul MN 55101-1626
651-726-2457 or 800-944-0707
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