Although many humans enjoy the cool autumn breeze, some animals may enjoy it even more. Animals such as hedgehogs and gray squirrels change their behaviors in fall to prepare for their hibernation in winter.
In order for hedgehogs to be ready for hibernation, they must gather various foods such as beetles, slugs, lizards, frogs, and sometimes even snakes. They sift through the autumn leaves to find these insects.
During hibernation, hedgehogs can survive with a low body temperature, heartbeat, and respiration rate and without using any valuable energy. They hibernate until their primary food source appears again in the spring.
Hedgehogs have spines everywhere on their bodies except for on their face, legs, and bellies. When they feel threatened, they will roll into a ball and the predator isn’t able to attack them.
Although hedgehogs are not Native to America, they have become a popular choice as a pet to have in a Pennsylvania household. Student Charlotte McClintok (Grade 9) says, “Hedgehogs are so adorable and I wish I had one as a pet.”
In preparation for winter, squirrels build nests in the forks of trees. They build their nests out of leaves, feathers, moss, and pine needles.
Squirrels gather an abundance of foods to store for wintertime. Some squirrels are able to smell food from under a foot of snow. Squirrels typically eat fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds, and acorns.
The most common type of squirrel in the United States is the eastern gray squirrel which can be seen on a daily basis for Lower Dauphin students. Student Emily Dupler (Grade 9) says “Squirrels remind me of fall because I always see them in the autumn trees. They are always everywhere I go.” Humans actually introduced squirrels to most major city parks to create a more close-up wilderness experience.
With the temperature getting cooler and the days getting shorter these animals have a lot to prepare for before winter. Lower Dauphin students will have a good time watching these animals as they work hard in the cool autumn breeze and fall leaves.
