Where Do Animals Sleep in Winter?

The first snow lay among the golden leaves when Puschel stopped beside a large leaf pile.

Puschel“If I were a winter animal, I would sleep in a hollow with seven blankets and eight nut pillows.”

Flauschi kept the green explorer’s magnifying glass beside her and looked only at the outside of the leaf pile. They could not see whether an animal was resting inside. They moved no leaves aside.

Flauschi“Very quietly. A hedgehog could have a safe place to spend winter here. This is called a winter shelter. Hedgehogs hibernate: their bodies become cooler, their hearts beat more slowly, and they take fewer breaths. They live on the fat they built up by eating in autumn. This helps it last longer.”

They stepped farther back. Every leaf remained where it was, keeping wind and cold from entering the nest.

Puschel“Then the leaf pile is not an untidy garden. It is a warm hibernation house.”

Flauschi pointed to a tree hollow. Some animals sleep or rest there for a while. Red squirrels often stay in their nests for longer on cold days. A squirrel’s nest is called a drey. They do not hibernate. They also come out in winter to find food or fetch nuts they have hidden.

Flauschi“Not every animal sleeps all winter. Some remain active, some rest for longer periods and some birds travel to warmer places.”

Puschel studied his paws, his lively tail and finally the snowy path home.

Puschel“I shall take a five-minute Wusel rest today. Then I shall urgently need a nut.”