Speckled kingsnake, Lampropeltis nigra (Stejneger)
As the days become shorter and colder, you've probably noticed less lizards scurrying in the leaf litter as you hike, or you may be missing the gray ratsnake you've seen sunning on the Possum Loop trail.
But, not to worry. They aren’t gone for good.
So where are they and what are they doing?
They are undergoing a state known as brumation. Brumation is defined as a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor. Reptiles (such as snakes or lizards) will hide in burrows, tree stumps, caves, and dens during the winter or extended periods of low temperature.
Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
Even our animal ambassadors feel the change. In late summer and early fall, our Broad-winged hawk will begin to “store” fat to prepare for what would have been her migration. Of course, she is incapable of flight due to injuries and can’t join the kettle to ride the thermal air currents down to Brazil. Instead, she gets to spend the warmer days outside and the colder ones inside.
Nature is a beautiful force that continues to impress us daily. During these darker days of winter, we hope that you find a way to connect with it, too.