Ice fishing, spearing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling – there’s an array of activities that help humans bridge the gap from winter into spring. With modern amenities and a little preparation, we can pretty much handle any cold or snowy weather thrown our way.
That’s not necessarily the case for North Dakota’s wildlife. Our birds and mammals depend on the same feathers and fur whether it’s 30 above or 30 below. However, when it comes to withstanding Mother Nature’s arsenal, native species are typically much better equipped for surviving winter’s long grip.
Keep in mind the importance of my reference to “native” species – those animals that were not planted from other locales and whose traditional home range includes the Upper Midwest. Introduced species such as ring-necked pheasants and Hungarian partridge are engaged in an uphill climb in any given winter, while native species are usually challenged only during the most difficult of conditions.
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Grouse can handle just about anything mother nature throws at them
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Sharp-tailed grouse
The sharp-tailed grouse occupies the top spot on my list of well-engineered natives. They can stand up to winter on the open plains because unlike pheasants, their feathers will not blow apart in a strong wind. Instead, grouse feathers maintain a heavy mat, kind of like layers of quilts on Mom’s big bed.
Even the grouse’s nostrils are protected by a flap-type system to that keeps snow from inhibiting their breathing. Grouse also have feathers out to the end of their toes, while pheasants and partridge have only tough skin from the knee on down.
Pronghorn
While some would point to the moose with its thick hide and natural ability to pretty much withstand all of winter’s worst, as the big game poster child for winter survival, the pronghorn has a rather unique way of dealing with winter. Unlike other resident big game species, native pronghorn are known to migrate in search of warmer temperatures and suitable winter grounds.
In fact, a recent study has show that during harsh winter conditions pronghorn may migrate hundreds of miles. This same study has emphasized that one of the pronghorn’s biggest obstacles is human interference with highway traffic and tight fencing in areas such as Interstate 94. It’s an interesting example of a human impediment to a natural winter survival tactic.
Coyote
While conventional wisdom would seem to indicate that furbearers are naturally protected from harsh climatic conditions, the fact that coyotes continue to survive and flourish is a testament to their resourcefulness and resiliency. While some look to the coyote with disdain, others can appreciate and understand their without an ability to adapt to food sources and conserve energy, they too would succumb to winter. Their omnivorous nature—eating just about anything—aides them well when mice and voles become scarce coyotes will feed on road kill and even dog food as a means of conserving energy and surviving winter.
Snowy owl
Snow-white plumage, and the natural camouflage it provides, gives these skilled hunters another advantage over their prey.
Snowy owls spend much of their time north of North Dakota, even in winter, so they are well equipped to handle almost anything winter delivers. Only during the worst winters in Canada and the arctic, or when they deplete their own food sources, do some of these birds wind up in North Dakota.
We don’t see them every year because they don’t need to come this far south, and that’s evidence for me to include them on my list of winter-hardy wildlife.
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Some species can't handle harsh winter conditions like pheasants
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Long-tailed weasel
Not nearly as obvious as the coyote or popular as the snowy owl, the long-tailed weasel earns respect because of its chameleon-type adaptations. During winter its brown summer pelt becomes snow white, which helps it hide from predators such as owls, and also assists in its quest for prey such as rabbits and mice.
Incidentally, scientists have found that the long-tailed weasel color change is genetically determined. If a weasel from a northern climate such as North Dakota is captured and taken south, it will still turn white in winter. A long-tailed weasel coming from the south would remain brown during a North Dakota winter.
As winter wears on, I encourage all to get out and enjoy. Like the previously mentioned critters, the trick is to understand, respect and plan accordingly. While keeping your nostrils from freezing up may seem a bit of stretch, don’t think a face mask to block a sub-zero wind-chill is much different that how the sharp-tailed grouse will weather the same storm.
Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Dept. He can be reached via email: dleier@state.nd.us
Photo credits to the ND Game and Fish Department
