Where crayfish overwinter, or how animals cope in winter

When we take a walk in the woods in winter, it can seem empty and quiet to us. Many animals have their own ways of surviving this difficult time. Today we will tell you where forest animals hide and what they do during these coldest months of the year.

One of the most famous winter 'sleepers' is the bear. In November or December, it looks for a quiet place - a roost - for its winter sleep. This can be a cave, a hollow in an old tree or a dense grove. In such a shelter, the bears sleep through the frost, using up their previously accumulated fat reserves.

Even before winter, bears look for a pile of dry leaves or branches in which to hide. During their winter sleep, their body works very slowly to conserve energy. Bats do the same, often overwintering in caves, cellars or other dark, damp places where the temperature is stable.

Do all birds fly away to warm countries?

Well, no - not all birds leave our country for the winter. Some species, such as tits, guillemots, sparrows and jays, stay put, adapting their behaviour and diet to the harsh conditions. These birds need to find food, which can be a challenge in winter, especially when the ground is covered with snow or ice. This is why feeders - places where people place sunflower seeds, millet, unsalted nuts or dried fruit - play such an important role. Properly prepared feeders become a lifesaver for birds, especially during frosts when natural resources are limited. It is important to avoid feeding birds with bread, which can be harmful to them.

Birds that stay for the winter not only have to get food, but also make sure they are protected from the cold. Their feathers act as insulation - birds fluff them up to create a layer of air between their skin and the environment, which helps to retain heat. Some species, like sparrows, seek shelter in tree hollows, cracks in buildings or dense shrubs that protect them from wind and rainfall. Others, like tits, may sleep in groups, which further helps to keep them warm.

These animals don't go into winter sleep: roe deer, deer and... who else? 

Deer and deer do not go into winter dormancy. In order to survive, they live in groups, which helps them to protect themselves from predators and better manage their search for food. In winter they eat tree bark, dry grasses and small branches. Sometimes they can be seen at the feedlots where foresters leave hay and grain.

Wolves and foxes do not change their habits in winter. They hunt small animals such as hares and mice. They have thick fur to protect them from the cold and their acute senses help them track down prey under the snow.

In search of food to survive

Boars do not go into winter sleep either. These hardy animals are able to adapt to harsh conditions. In winter, they roam the forest in search of food such as acorns, roots or plant remains hidden under the snow. Wild boars live in groups called packs, which allows them to protect themselves more effectively from predators and find food. Increasingly, we can also find wild boars in the city. Not only do they burrow into the ground there in search of food, but they can also knock over rubbish bins and look for tasty morsels there.

Squirrels spend all autumn gathering supplies: acorns, nuts and seeds, which they hide in hollows or underground. In winter, they make use of these larders. Mice and voles, on the other hand, hide in burrows under the snow, where the temperature is milder than on the surface. Snails also hide - they burrow into the ground and enter their shells. Most insects go into winter dormancy, but occasionally some insects, such as bugs and spiders, seek shelter in our homes.

Where crayfish overwinter - which is actually ... where?

Crayfish, which are aquatic animals, hole up in the deepest and coldest parts of bodies of water for the winter. In the old days, when people observed nature, the places where 'crayfish overwinter' seemed mysterious, remote and difficult to reach. Hence the metaphorical meaning - and very well-known proverb - of being a place that is hard to reach or symbolises something unpleasant.

Crayfish practically cease activity during the winter. Their metabolism slows down considerably, allowing them to conserve energy when food is hard to come by. It is worth remembering that these animals are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, so the presence of ice on the surface of the water helps to maintain a constant temperature in their winter hiding places. The absence of this protective layer, e.g. due to overuse of water resources or pollution, can be dangerous for them.

This is how you can help animals in winter - our mini guide

You too can help forest animals survive the winter! Here are some ideas:

• Feed the birds - hang a feeder and regularly refill it with sunflower seeds, millet or nuts. Do not use salt or give the animals bread. Take care of the hygiene of the feeder or feeding area.
• Leave piles of leaves in the garden so hedgehogs have somewhere to hide.
• Don't make noise in the woods - animals save energy in winter, so it's not worth disturbing them.
• Look out for footprints - by walking, you can learn to recognise footprints in the snow and find out who lives in the area!

The forest in winter is full of secrets and its inhabitants cope in different ways. Next time you visit the forest in the cold weather, try to spot where its inhabitants are hiding. You are sure to discover many fascinating things!