To Hibernate or to Brumate?

It's November, and across the Oak Ridges Moraine, animals are getting ready for the winter. The strategies of a few iconic species may come to mind, like the migration of Canada Geese and the hibernation of Groundhogs.  There are other less-known strategies employed by many species that live on the moraine, including torpor and brumation. 

Both torpor and brumation are similar to hibernation. They involve entering a deep, sleep-like state, where metabolism slows and body temperature drops.  

Torpor is seen in certain birds and mammals that overwinter in Ontario, such as chickadees and chipmunks. Torpor only lasts for a few hours or days at a time, in response to severe cold or food shortage. The creature undergoing torpor can wake itself up quite easily and quickly. In fact, this is exactly what Black Bears do too. They aren't a true hibernator (like Groundhogs) because they are so large that their body size conserves heat. They wake up now and then to eat and aren't so sluggish when rousing in the spring.   

Black-capped Chickadee on a bird feeder

Second, brumation is a strategy employed by reptiles, amphibians, and some fish. These ectothermic (cold-blooded) creatures stop moving and eating for extended periods. Turtles spend the winter at the bottom of ponds, breathing in dissolved oxygen, whereas land-dwelling snakes and frogs burrow under logs and leaf litter.  

Garter Snake

Having natural spaces is essential to all of these animals. A toad can't make a cozy burrow beneath a sidewalk or a lawn, but a forest floor with some fallen leaves and logs would do nicely. Consider allowing fallen trees or standing snags to stay if it's safe to do so; birds and small mammals can build a cozy nest inside! And as the last of the leaves fall, leave some piled in a corner of the yard, to offer refuge to the bumblebees and moths. 

The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust works to steward natural spaces and restore habitat, so all of our local wildlife can survive and thrive through the colder months. To learn more, visit oakridgesmoraine.org.