BRAINERD — For wildlife, the season of hardship has arrived. Winter storms that are often mere inconveniences to humans can mean death to some animals.

But the critters that roam the fields and forests are remarkably resilient. Nature has provided them with effective ways to deal with the life-threatening conditions of winter's stinging cold and deep snow.

Many birds, for instance, choose to migrate to warmer climates. Others remain behind. The birds that stay feed heavily on cold winter days to provide extra fuel for their "furnaces" allowing them to face winter head-on.

Even mammals have been provided with methods to aid in winter survival. Squirrels, for example, store nuts and seeds during the fall season of bounty for use during winter. Some mammals sleep away the cold season, snug

See Full Page