the warming snow
Secret rooms
Snow falls and is packed together over twigs and dry autumn grass. The twigs keep the snow from falling directly on the ground. A maze of underground cavities are created beneath the snow.
Living room
The pockets are like living rooms for insects, shrews, mice and voles. And there is plenty of food: seeds, fruit, insects and other treats. The vole may even give birth beneath the snow, at least in favourable years.
Ground heat
The pockets are heated from ground heat below. It can keep around 0 degrees. The isolating snow keeps cold air out. Winters with little snow are disastrous for animals that live beneath the snow. They risk freezing to death!
Shelter
The snow protects against predators, in particular fox, marten and owl. If the snow is thinner than about three decimetres, the fox can hear voles through the snow. They are located with sensitive ears, and attacked with great precision.
