White as snow
Animal adaptations to winter.
The MOUNTAIN HARE turns white in winter, but only the edge of the ear remains black throughout the year. It is one of the hardiest wild animals, surviving in temperatures as low as minus 40ºC. It lives in the heathland, but is very fearful, and any slightest noise is a threat to it from predators.
It is mostly active at night, so it is rarely seen. Its tracks are much more common in winter. In winter, its fur turns white for safety, but otherwise it is brown. In the photo above, it is in the process of changing colour.
The ROCK PTARMIGDAN is a ground-dwelling bird that flies only short distances. In winter, it adapts perfectly to its habitat, as both male and female are white in winter, with only the tail feathers being black. It lives above the tree line and can therefore be found in higher meadows. In winter it needs even more peace and quiet, so it will appreciate it if we choose marked paths.
This large weasel, or HERMELIN, is completely white in winter, leaving only the back of the tail black. The lack of snow in the valleys makes it much more vulnerable than otherwise, as the protective colour is currently doing it more harm than good.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Even the summer gams turn from dirty yellow-brown to dark grey. The winter coat is longer than the summer coat, so it looks slim in summer and robust and stocky in winter.
