Animals that change colour during winter

Some animals undergo colour changing in their appearance during winter season. There are some particular reasons for it.

1. Arctic Fox

Change: This fox is brown or grey in colour during summer, but turns white in winter.

Reason: The white fur helps it blend into the snowy landscape. It makes it easier to hunt its prey. At the same time it can escape from its predators, as they are hard to see. The colour change happens because of shorter days and colder temperatures.

2. Snowshoe Hare

Change: It has a brown coat in summer and becomes white in winter.

Reason: The white fur disguises the hare in the snow to hide from predators. The change is controlled by the changing seasons.

3. Ptarmigan

Change: These birds are brown in colour during summer and turn white in winter.

Reason: The white feathers help them blend in with the snow. It keeps them safe from being eaten by predators.

4. Weasel

Change: Weasels are brown in colour during summer and turn white in winter.

Reason: The white fur helps them hide from predators and catch prey in winter. The coat change also provides warmth.

5. Brown Bear

Change: The brown bears don’t change colour like the other animals. Their fur gets thicker for winter.

Reason: This helps them stay warm, and they can look lighter against the snow.

How does the colour change happen?

Temperature: Some animals can sense the cold and start to change their fur colour in response.

Genetics: Each species has specific genetic instructions that control how and when they change colour.

Hormones: The changing length of days affects hormones in these animals. It triggers their fur or feathers to change colour.

Winter colour changes in animals are mainly for disguise. It helps them to survive by hiding from predators and catching prey. These adaptations show how animals have evolved to deal with seasonal changes.