5 fun winter wildlife facts you don’t know

Winter wildlife Christmas facts are one of those genuinely delightful rabbit holes that start with wondering why robins appear on Christmas cards and end with discovering that reindeer can actually see ultraviolet light. Britain’s winter wildlife is extraordinary — and at Christmas, when the garden is frost-covered and the nights are long, the creatures sharing our world become genuinely magical to observe. From the robin defending his territory on your fence post to the hedgehog deep in hibernation beneath your compost heap, here are the most fascinating winter wildlife Christmas facts to share around the table this year.

Badgers don’t hibernate in the winter

In winter, Badgers do not hibernate but reduce their activity during periods of cold weather. During the autumn months, badgers’ feeding activity increases to accumulate body fat reserves for the winter.

Mountain Hares shed their fur in late November

Mountain hares live in Scotland and the north of England and are most visible in spring, when the snow has melted. In summer, the mountain hare has a grey-brown coat; however, in winter it turns white to blend in with its surroundings, and only its ear tips stay black.

Red squirrels don’t hibernate over winter

Red squirrels do not hibernate in the winter, but they do keep stores of food to help see them through difficult times when fresh food is not available.

Bears hibernate during winter

Bears do hibernate during winter, but do not sleep all of the time. Hibernation for bears means that they do not need to eat or drink and tend to stay in their dens during winter if no food is available.

Hedgehogs hibernate curled up in a specially built nest in piles of leaves

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night time. During winter and the day, a hedgehog will sleep in a specifically built nest in thick undergrowth, leaves, unlit bonfires, or under a shed; it will never sleep outside of its nest.

These are just a few fun facts about the wildlife in Winter. There are also great ways to get your garden ready for winter and what you should grow each month.

👉 Love a good Christmas fact? See our Quality Street fun facts guide for more brilliant Christmas trivia.