Where Do Animals Go in Winter? Hibernation and Migration for Kids

When winter comes and snow begins to fall, many animals seem to vanish. But they’re not gone — they’re just doing what nature designed them to do: hibernate, migrate, or adapt!

Geese flying south for the winter. A great example of migration.

Migration: Travelling to Survive

Birds often migrate south to find warmth and food, flying in big V shapes to save energy. But migration isn’t just for birds — whales travel thousands of kilometres through the ocean to find warmer waters and raise their young.

Hibernation: Sleeping Through the Cold

Some animals stay right where they are and hibernate. Frogs burrow into the mud, bears curl up in their dens, and chipmunks slow their heartbeats to save energy until spring arrives.

Adapting in Place

Other animals, like squirrels, don’t sleep or travel — they prepare! They grow thicker fur, build warm nests, and gather food to last all winter. Each species has its own smart way to stay safe and warm.

Learning from Nature

Animals remind us that change is part of life, and everyone finds their own way to handle the cold seasons.

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