Snow's Secret Hideout

Beneath the snow lies a secret shelter called the subnivium (sub-NIH-vee-um), where plants and animals continue to thrive during the colder months. This hidden world exists between the snow and the soil.

When snow falls, it slowly builds up layer by layer. Rocks, plants, and fallen branches catch the snow, creating pockets of space underneath. As the snow layers partially melt and re-freeze, the subnivium forms an igloo for animals to call home in the winter.

Spring, summer, winter, fall—God has provided shelter for his creatures in all seasons.

Foxes, owls, wolverines, weasels, and other predators listen for movement and dive into the snow to capture prey.

The wood frog spends winter frozen like an ice cube. Its heart even stops beating! When spring comes, the wood frog thaws out and wakes up.

Some birds burrow in the subnivium for winter protection.

Mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and voles search for food like grasses, bark, and seeds.

Beetles, flies, and spiders thrive in the soil insulated by the snow.

Get cozy!

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