A woodpecker is pictured on a tree branch. Photo by Heather Kinal

Western New York is getting its fair share of snow right now. Six days into 2025, and Jamestown already has more snow than it had in the entire month of January 2024.

Needless to say, we here in Chautauqua County are used to it. Our area is home to a variety of animals that are well-adapted to thrive during the winter snowy months. When I see birds darting in and out of hedges, I can’t help but wonder what other species are thriving as much as I wish I was in all of this snow. So here are a few animals that absolutely love and thrive in these snowy times, as well as some reminders of the perks that snow provides for our soil.

Animals have developed various adaptations to survive and thrive in the harsh winter conditions of Western New York. Like this area’s humans, we all know that it takes a certain type of living creature to weather these cold temperatures. For example, White-tailed Deer are more than common in the region. They have thick fur that helps them stay warm and can clear fences as tall as eight feet. They can also change their diet to browse on woody plants and shrubs when food is scarce. Snowshoe Hare, which are similar to their Arctic relatives, change their coat color to white in the winter for camouflage in the snow. Also, their large feet help them move easily over the snow, like wearing a pair of snowshoes. Red foxes have dense fur and a bushy tail that they wrap around themselves like a scarf or blanket for warmth. They are opportunistic feeders and can adapt their diet to available food sources. Northern Cardinals are the vibrant red birds that I keep seeing and are a common sight at bird feeders during the winter. Their bright red plumage and hearty nature make them well-suited for the cold. Black-capped Chickadees are small birds known for their resilience in cold weather. They fluff up their feathers to trap heat and often visit bird feeders for seeds. The American Tree Sparrow migrates to Western New York for the winter and are busy visitors in winter backyards and weedy, snow-covered fields. These birds that I can totally relate to not liking hot weather can be seen foraging for seeds on the ground or at feeders. The Snowy Owl can occasionally be spotted in Western New York, too. They are well-adapted to the cold with their thick feathers and hunting skills. The Eastern Gray Squirrel remains active throughout the winter, relying on their stored food and their ability to navigate snowy landscapes. These are just a few but not all the types of animals that do well in the snow. Not to mention all the mice trying to cohabitate with me and my family.

Snow isn’t just well suited for certain animals – it has positive effects on soil too. Snow provides an insulating layer of protection for soil and plant roots from extreme temperatures, which also prevents frost from penetrating too deeply into the ground and ruining that garden you planted in the fall. When snow melts, it gradually releases moisture into the soil, which is beneficial for recharging groundwater levels and providing a steady supply of water to plants. Snow can capture and carry atmospheric nitrogen down to the soil so that, as it melts, nitrogen is released into the soil, which helps plant growth. Snow cover can also protect the soil from wind and water erosion, which helps to hold the soil in place, especially on barren crop lands during the winter months. Snow can help break down organic matter like all the leaves I didn’t rake up in the fall. When it melts, it helps decompose plant residues and other organic materials, enriching the soil with nutrients.

Winter snow offers a fantastic opportunity to get out and watch all these animals, as well as enjoy the benefits of snow in our area. In summary, snow is an amazing thing even though it makes your car cold in the mornings, makes you put on a whole different set of tires, and makes you wear a ton of layers of clothes. Remember though – snow acts as a protective and nourishing layer for the soil that contributes to its health and fertility and is home to many amazing creatures adapted to the snow, including you.

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve and enhance the quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the Chautauqua region’s lands and waters for our community. For more information, visit chautauquawatershed.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.