01. Photographer pick: Jami Bollschweiler

Jami specializes in wildlife and landscape photography, making for a very diverse portfolio. His vibrant closeups and special attention to detail will have you staring at his work in awe. Check him out at @jamibollschweilerphotography.

Land snails really dislike the frosty weather and are often seen hibernating under rocks, corners and even leaves during the winter months. Photo by Jami Bollschweiler

02. Article pick: A Chipmunk’s Winter Sleep 

Most of us were taught that chipmunks, like bears, are true hibernators. But both share a winter coping method that isn’t technically hibernation; it’s something called torpor. Learn about this magical slumber and the drastic physiological changes the chipmunk can undergo when faced with an otherwise unsurvivable winter. 

Fun Fact: During torpor, a chipmunk’s heart rate declines from 350 beats per minute to 4. Photo by J-Photos | Unsplash

03. Book pick: Life in the Cold: An Introduction to Winter Ecology

Peter Marchand tries to change our minds about the dreariness of winter with "Life in the Cold." If the season only brings stillness, darkness and death, how do living things somehow manage to reappear when spring rolls around? 

04. Audio pick: Yellowstone Bison Are Built for Winter Survival

Thousands of species roam the lands of Yellowstone but few are made to withstand its brutal winters. This quick clip gives a clear glimpse of these ancient bull-headed creatures surviving sub-zero temps, and how they will plow through their migration treks in any condition. Surely one of the toughest animals on the planet! 

 

Photo by Lucas Ludwig

Quote of the Week

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

               ― John Steinbeck