Stanley’s Friends

The Snowpack and Stanley’s Snowpack of Friends

Stanley even had his own “snowpack” or group of forest friends. He could also create a snowpack for people and creatures alike to benefit from. A snowpack would form when more snow fell on the snow already there.

Stanley was everywhere! Stanley and his snowflake friends melted into water in the spring and summer. This water fed the rivers and reservoirs for drinking, agriculture, and ecosystems. Snow would help crops to grow. The flowers and trees really looked up to Stanley. Without the snow things got very dry and thirsty.

In the winter animals that burrow in snow include small rodents like voles and mice, which create tunnels in the subnivean zone beneath the snowpack for shelter. Larger animals like polar bears, foxes, and groundhogs also use or create dens in snowdrifts or underground, sometimes hibernating inside.

You may have seen some of Stanley’s animal friends:

Voles, mice, and shrews: These rodents dig tunnels in the subnivean zone, the space between the ground and the snow, to travel and find food while staying hidden from predators. 

Chipmunks and ground squirrels: These animals may also create burrows under the snow to shelter from the cold.

Red squirrels: They rely on this underground environment to survive the winter. 

Jumping mice: Some species of jumping mice hibernate in burrows below the frost line. 

Larger animals creating dens

Polar bears: They build dens in snowdrifts for protection from extreme temperatures, especially for giving birth. 

Groundhogs and woodchucks:

They hibernate in burrows that are dug deep enough to stay below the frost line. 

Foxes:

They will bed down in their dens during blizzards to stay out of the storm. 

Beavers:

They stay in their lodges during harsh winter weather, and some groups huddle together for warmth. 

Raccoons and skunks:

These animals can also shelter in dens during winter storms. 

Reindeer:

Reindeer are perfectly adapted to and thrive in snow, as it is their natural habitat. They have several adaptations that allow them to navigate, find food, and stay warm in snowy, cold environments, including a thick coat and special hooves.

Ollie, the snowy owl was one of Stanley’s best friends. Ollie loved snowy environments and did best in the snow and cold. Ollie was very smart and wise.