The Challenges of a Freshly Snow-Covered Habitat

December 11, 2024

By: Ali Groulx, Park Interpreter

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived! There is nothing like waking up and gazing out the window to discover a glassy, glittery layer of snow. Perhaps you excitedly check for school closings, or grumble that it might just be time to pull out the snowblower. No matter how you feel about it, snowfall can be an extreme variable, causing anywhere from a slight inconvenience to a significant survival challenge. We modify our behaviors to make sure we are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that snow brings, and we come together to ensure that those who cannot help themselves have access to the resources they need to survive. Pull on your stockings and button up your cowls – this is a chilly one!

A portion of the cross-country ski trail near Kensington’s Aspen trail once served as the driveway to the Danz’ family summer cottage. Though their abode no longer stands, the habitat they created by living on this land is enjoyed by many animals, birds, and humans alike. The Danz estate donated this parcel of land to Kensington Metropark in 1997.

Winter’s Changes

Our responsibilities change with the habitat that snow creates. For the average human, this includes shoveling snow, scraping and defrosting car windows, and dressing for the below-freezing temperatures. Farmers and pet-owners have additional responsibilities as their animal’s outdoor habitat is smothered by a blanket of white. Farm animals modify their bodies for winter by growing a thicker coat of hair, though keeping warm costs energy. An increased supply of food helps the animals keep warm; as hay digests, animals generate body heat and energy. Hydration is very important, so it is necessary to install a heater in their water source. Shelter lined with straw creates insulated nests where social animals can snuggle up with each other to stay warm. Some dog breeds, like snow-loving huskies, are well adapted and appear excited about snowfall. Evolved adaptations to harsh environments have not disappeared in these animals, though some must be triggered by spending time out in the cold. A domestic bird’s ability to trap air close to their body by puffing up their feathers is not something we have control over, but by providing more food, unfrozen water, and cozy shelter, we ensure that they meet their goal of survival.

A sheep’s fleece keeps them warm and dry all winter along. They are unbothered by the falling snow, and the wool they provide is used to create warm fabrics for the clothing we wear.

There are millions of factors in a wild animal’s life that are chanced to fate. Wild animals have a variety of strategies to acclimate to suddenly-snowy habitats. Many hibernate due to the extreme burden of snow and below-freezing temperatures. On the flipside, animals with special winter adaptations thrive when there is snowfall. Color-changers like snowshoe hare and weasels become invisible, features like the huge paws of the lynx become more useful, and owls use all their skills to pinpoint snow-tunneling rodents. Snow pushed these traits to the extreme, as each passing season solidified the species’ ability to survive. A habitat altered by snow is a chance to demonstrate commitment to the goal of survival.

Domestic pigeons puff their feathers, trapping air which is then warmed by their skin, keeping them nice and cozy in freezing temperatures. They warm their toes one foot at a time, too

Historical Harvests and Winter Recreation

A century ago, creature comforts like refrigerated food were dependent on the conditions accompanied by snow. Ice formation on lakes was treated as a harvested resource, enriching the economy and becoming the 6^th largest industry in the early 1900s. Ice harvesting was a huge community effort and brought people together, but that is not all. Michigan has an extensive history of snow-related businesses including lumbering, which was done in the winter when the tree’s sap no longer flowed. Teamsters drove horses like Percherons down snow-packed roads slicked with ice to slide logs out of the forest. During this time, the habitat formed by snow required sharing resources with one another. Snow sustained the economy, and many families are still reliant on the income that is generated by snow-related business, especially Michigan’s winter sports like snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing, and snowboarding.

Get Outside this Winter

Snow changes our lives in countless ways. We rummage for the bins of winter clothing, we mop up the influx of wet muddy footprints, and we tell our children that you can always take a layer off – for it’s better be warm than unprepared. Snow brings joy, as we ski or sled with our families, as we playfully throw snowballs at each other, as we take in the still silence of a thick, fresh layer of snow. The increased burden of survival becomes equally shared by necessity. We all find childlike joy within the snow – even if you enjoy from behind a frosty window, gripping hot cocoa with both hands as it steams, as you think to yourself, “life is beautiful.”

The Metroparks have plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy snowy activities with your family this winter! Whether it be cross-country skiing, sledding, snow shoeing, or visiting the snowy farm animals, we’ve got covered. Learn more about our upcoming holiday events here!

Read more about winter-time survival strategies from last year’s blog posts!

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