Black-capped chickadees have evolved to increase their memory during the winter to remember where stored food is hidden. (Photo 141901672 © Marilyn Gould - Dreamstime.com)

By Ronald Quaroni

Winter Adaptations

Creatures of Prince Albert National Park find fascinating ways to endure bitter temperatures

Jan 16, 2020 | 1:01 PM

Animals of the Prince Albert National Park may not be able to run inside and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, but they have found ways to stay warm during the colder parts of winter.

According to Adam Pidwerbesk, resource manager at Prince Albert National Park, all creatures that call the Boreal Forest home over the winter have multiple adaptations to handle the chill.

The Chickadee

Take for example, the black-capped chickadee.

While small in stature, this songbird has some incredible adaptations for cold climates. It grows twice as many feathers and can even reduce its body temperature by 12 C to conserve energy and that’s not all.

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During fall chickadees store insects, carrion and seeds in a variety of places.

“In order to remember where all these food sources are stored a certain structure in their brain called the hippocampus actually increases in volume by 30 per cent…so they’re able to remember all the places, where they stored this extra food,” Pidwerbeski told paNOW. “They’re just amazing birds.”

Chickadees will eat up to 60 per cent of their bodyweight in food to stay warm.

A young elk with a light dusting of snow on his nose. (Submitted Photo/ Prince Albert National Park)

Ungulates

Perhaps not as resourceful as the songbird, the Park’s moose, deer and elk are not completely left in the cold.

Grazing during the summer and fall they’re able to build up large fat stores they will rely upon during the winter. They also develop thicker coats and seek shelter from wind when temperatures plummet.

A single wolf can eat as much as 20lbs of meat at a time. (Submitted Photo/ Prince Albert National Park)

Canidae

Members of the dog family also develop thick furs to protect from the elements, but wolves, coyotes and foxes rely on scavenging and hunting to subsist in the bitter climate.

Pidwerbeski explained due to pack structures where dominant animals eat first and less dominant animals fight for scraps winters can be a cruel time.

“Some of them will not survive because of the rigors of the season,” he said.

Observe and Appreciate

Pidwerbeski noted the harsh reality is many animals will not make it through the winter due to a number of factors including; predation, disease, starvation and other difficulties.

That’s why it’s important for visitors to the Prince Albert National Park to remember that the Boreal Forest is these creatures home and they are working very hard to stay alive.

“We’re observing the residents who do not have the options that we do for survival and just (for visitors) to appreciate and respect that,” he asked.

“For the species that are part of the Boreal ecosystem, this is part of their circle of life,” Pidwerbeski said. “It’s ok to observe and photograph but give them space. If you force them to move, it just increases the cost (they have to spend) for survival.”

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni