hibernation

Migrate, Stay Active, or Hibernate?

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Pumpkins were laced with frost last Saturday morning and that sudden temperature plunge sent motorists scrambling for window scrapers as squirrels went into overdrive nut gathering mode. Hours of daylight are diminishing and leaves are cascading downwards with each gust of wind. Although some humans head south for the entire winter, most of us simply adapt to the cold with heavier coats, warm houses, vacation dreams and weather-adjusted outdoor plans. But what about the wildlife in our midst as temperatures continue to fall and food gets harder to find? They have three choices: migrate, stay active, or hibernate. Continue reading →

Squirrels: Master Nest Builders & Feeder Raiders

Oakland County, MI Government 11 Comments
WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY13_lined_ground_squirrel

This time of year, the squirrels of Oakland County are full speed ahead, with the notable exception of the seldom seen thirteen-lined ground squirrels that snooze the winter away underground in deep hibernation. Squirrels need to stay in the full speed ahead, always alert mode, if they expect to live until spring. Coyotes, red and gray foxes, red-tailed hawks, feral and domestic cats, and the great horned owls that hunt at dusk all pay attention to squirrels as a winter food source. Frequenting bird feeders, one of these hungry predators can easily find a bounty of busy squirrels.
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