How To Help Wild Animals During Winter?

(Photo : Brodie Vissers, Burst)
Many animals die during winter from starvation, dehydration or hypothermia.

Winter is a pretty big deal for everyone, but because of modern technologies, it becomes bearable to everyone. But not to our wild friends. As the temperature plummets, feral animals -- both small and big -- will struggle to secure their nutritions or even to stay hydrated at least.

Below is the list of what you can do to help them survive the intense temperature.

1. Provide food

While most animals hibernate during winter, the case is not the same with birds. Usually, they migrate. However, there are some species who do not, and they have a higher risk of dying during the cold season because their food sources like berries and insects are scarce.

For starters, putting mixed seeds on your bird feeder is a good start. However, birds highly appreciate high-fat foods in winter due to the need for more energy sources to sustain their active lifestyle and to add warmth to their bodies. Nuts, fresh coconuts, and even plant-based suets are some good examples.

Other common animals that do not sleep throughout the winters are squirrels and chipmunks. Like birds, you can provide high-fat foods like cracked corn. However, you should only give it on colder months, and a high-fat diet is not healthy for them.

2. Provide fresh water

Keeping themselves hydrated during winter is also a problem for wild animals. 

If your garden has a fish pond, you might be tempted to break the ice or pour hot water on it. You should not if there are some species living underneath. Many fish can actually survive the winter through hibernating, and these activities can harm them.

Instead, stick to the original and most basic procedure: water bowl.

The easiest method you can do is leaving a bowl of clean water outside and checking it every now and then. You can pour hot water on it to melt the ice sheet or put a floating object on the top of it to secure an open hole where animals can drink from.

Or if your finance will allow it, you can buy a birdbath that has a built-in heating system to keep the water liquid.

3. Provide shelter

Aside from providing birdhouse or hedgehog boxes, the easiest method is leaving your garden undisturbed during winter. Piles of leaves or brushwood can provide a perfect place for animals where they can hide, rest and hibernate.

Compost heaps can be a good shelter for some animals like frogs, toads and even snakes, so do not freak out if you see them inside.

Although, remember not to disturb their hibernation until it is over. Depending on the severity of the weather, hibernation could last up to April of the following year.

For animal houses, make sure you clean it frequently with hot water and mild detergent as the dirt could either discourage the animals or make them sick.

4. Check around before doing anything that can be harmful on feral animals

Feral cats and other wild, small animals are sometimes attracted to the heat coming from the engine of a car. Before you drive it, make sure you bang the hood or beep so to scare them and be forced to flee from their newfound haven.

If you are camping outside and are planning to start a bonfire, make sure first that there is no sign of life on your chosen spot. There could be a hibernating animal under the patch of leaves you picked to burn.

5. Be a volunteer on a local wildlife conservation center

Wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators are usually very busy during winter. If you have nothing to do during your winter break, you can join them in providing care on rescues animals. Or if you are too busy for that, you can donate. Food items are especially needed, but you can also provide heat pads and blankets.

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