• Which Iowa winter animal are you?

    Whether you spend the winter cozy in bed, ice fishing, or gorging yourself on tasty treats, we'll find you a winter animal that can relate.

  • Dec 18, 2023. By Naturalist Raina Genaw.

    Iowa animals might spend the winter resting, hiding, looking for food--or they might just go on a vacation South! To discover which animal you are, answer the questions below.

  • Earthworm

    You spend the winter COMPLETELY asleep. You haven't left your home since October, but what else can you do in winter?

    Although...earthworms don't always spend the winter asleep, awaiting sunshine and warm days. Sometimes they lay their eggs in the ground and then freeze solid. So...maybe you should stay warm this winter.

  • Big Brown Bat

    Bats spend their winter asleep in caves, building, or abandoned mine shafts, waiting for the return of warm weather and sunshine. They can spend up to six months in hibernation (from October to March)-- but once they wake up, they make the most of their summer! To make the best of this winter, make sure to stay cozy with friends.

  • Bluegill

    Winter may not be your favorite, but you make the best of it. You are awfully cold, swimming around in the chilly water beneath the thick pond ice...but at least you can still find the occasional snack! Be careful, though...that snack may just be attached to a fishing pole.

  • Dark-eyed Junco

    You may be out and about during winter, but you probably aren't too happy about it. Maybe you can fluff up your feathers and find a birdfeeder to gorge at with some buddies? This winter, you can embrace your junco-like lifestyle by exploring some new restaurants, bakeries, or cafés with friends.

  • Cardinal

    You may like summer, but winter isn't so bad! You can hang out with loved ones and fluff up your feathers to stay warm. Others may admire your joy and vibrancy this winter--and maybe even all year long!

  • Beaver

    Winter can't stop you from living your best life. While you may not be able to get outside as often as you'd like, you make the best of it and spend your days in the warmth and comfort of your home...though you may occasionally need to leave to get some work done. Make sure to prepare for this winter by stocking up on tasty snacks and warm blankets.

  • White-tailed Deer

    Winter honestly isn't too bad for you. You can hang out with friends and spend most of your day snacking--but you'll still be glad when spring comes! To make the best of this winter, make sure to get a warm coat and explore the outdoors!

  • River Otter

    You don't let winter stop you from having fun! Your warm coat keeps you warm, so you can spend most of your time sliding on the ice and playing in the snow with friends. To maximize your winter fun, try checking out some new hiking trails, restaurants, or recreational classes.

  • Least Weasel

    You're totally dedicated to being FABULOUS and enjoying all the beauty that winter has to offer. Like yourself, Iowa's weasels spend the winter in style, trading their warm-season brown coloration for a cold-season white coloration. This helps them blend in with the snow to catch food and avoid being caught by hawks, foxes, and other animals that might eat them. While they may be masters of blending in, we still think their gorgeous coat makes them stand out from the rest!

    Try exploring local nature areas, art galleries, and holiday festivals to explore the beauty winter has to offer.

  • Indigo Bunting

    You are FABULOUS and winter is TOO DANG COLD for you! Your perfect winter is spent nice and warm in the tropics. Indigo Buntings can be found in Iowa during the warm months, but they leave as fast as they can when it gets cold! Their long flight takes them to Florida or South America for the winter, where they can stay warm and well-fed.

    If you haven't left for Florida yet, you'd better stock up on warm blankets, coats, and mittens--and fast!

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