BY CASSIDY ROARK
CRoark@DominionPost.com
As the forecast predicts a wintry mix of snow and cold temperatures today, Morgantown residents are bracing for what could be one of the coldest stretches of the winter season. With temperatures expected to dip into the teens during the day early next week and nighttime lows plunging into the negatives, locals are preparing for a frigid start to the week.
Sunday will bring a powerful cold front, bringing in snow and freezing temperatures. By Tuesday, Morgantown could see its coldest night in years, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -5 degrees.
As snow accumulates and temperatures drop through the area, residents are advised to take precautions, especially when heading out into the cold. However, it is not just humans who have to prepare for the cold, the region’s wildlife has also adapted to survive even the most extreme winter conditions.
Christopher Rota, a professor and program coordinator of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West Virginia University, offers insight into how local animals are equipped to handle these extreme cold temperatures. According to Rota, despite the forecasted freeze, most wildlife species are well-prepared to cope with harsh winter weather.
“Lots of animals in this region have traits that help them survive pretty tough winters,” Rota explains. “For example, the wood frog (Rana Sylvatica) can freeze solid during winter and survive”.
“Species like bats and bears hibernate or enter torpor”, which is similar to hibernation, though their body temperatures don’t drop as dramatically.
Other animals, such as white-tailed deer, have evolved to thrive in cold conditions by growing a thick winter coat of fur and accumulating extra body fat. Birds like chickadees have a different strategy—they store food, which they rely on to get through the long, cold months.
Despite the frigid weather ahead, Rota assures us that most wild animals in our area, from the smallest bird to the largest mammal, are well-equipped to handle the cold.
“Though backyard birds probably wouldn’t mind a little extra food in the feeder”.
While many locals are used to mild winters in recent years, this sudden cold snap serves as a reminder of the region’s unpredictable weather patterns. The past few winters in Morgantown have been relatively mild, with less snow and fewer extreme cold spells. But as Rota notes, this variation is part of the natural ebb and flow of our climate. “We’ve had a few relatively warm winters, but that’s not the norm. Winter weather is cyclical, and some years will be harsher than others.”
As the snow begins to fall on Sunday and temperatures continue to plummet, Morgantown residents are reminded to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their homes. This includes layering up in warm clothing, checking heating systems and ensuring pipes are insulated to avoid freezing. And for those with outdoor animals, it is important to ensure they have proper shelter and food supplies during the extreme cold.
While wildlife in our area will continue to thrive through the winter thanks to their natural adaptations, people are encouraged to keep an eye on local birds, offer some extra seeds for their feeders, and be mindful of the hardships that come with these harsh conditions.
