WILDLIFE IN WINTER
ANIMALS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IN THE WINTER MONTHS
MOOSE are abundant around the Big Sky area during winter months. They migrate from higher elevations to areas that have more accessible forage, such as the Meadow area. Their food supply during this time includes willows, aspens, shrubs and the tops of small sub-alpine fir and Engelmann spruce trees. It is important to give moose plenty of space when encountered. Never approach moose. If you are in an encounter, look toward their hooves and slowly back away. Cows with calves can become defensive and even aggressive. Bear spray can deter a charging moose.
ANIMALS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IN THE WINTER MONTHS
BEARS, contrary to popular belief, do not hibernate. We more correctly refer to their overwinter activity as "denning." This period generally lasts from November through March. During this time, they enter a stage known as torpor. While in this stage, bears enter a deep sleep in which body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate drops. Bears can still wake up and move around while in the denning period. Bears have been witnessed in every month of the year in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
ANIMALS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IN THE WINTER MONTHS
ERMINE, also known as short-tailed weasels, have been known to make an appearance on the ski hill from time to time in Big Sky. In the summer months, they have brown coats with white paws and undersides. In the winter, they change their coats to all white with a black tip on their tail. These animals are well adapted to winter conditions. They hunt small rodents that are burrowing under the snowpack.
