What does a mouse do in winter? - briefly
During the cold season, mice retreat to insulated nests, conserve energy, and depend on stored food. They may lower their body temperature and limit foraging to endure low temperatures.
What does a mouse do in winter? - in detail
During colder months, mice shift their activity patterns to conserve energy and maintain body temperature. They increase reliance on stored food, consuming seeds, grains, and insects that were cached earlier in the year. Metabolic rate rises slightly, and they often huddle together in nests made of shredded plant material, fur, and paper to generate shared warmth.
Key adaptations include:
- Nest construction – mice line burrows or crevices with insulating layers, sealing entrances to reduce drafts.
- Food hoarding – before temperatures drop, individuals gather and hide surplus provisions in multiple locations, creating a network of caches.
- Reduced foraging – external trips become shorter and less frequent; activity concentrates during the warmest daylight hours.
- Physiological changes – brown adipose tissue activates to produce heat without shivering; fur density may increase slightly.
Seasonal behavior also involves heightened vigilance against predators that may enter shelters seeking prey. Mice emit alarm calls and use rapid escape routes within their burrow systems to avoid detection.
Overall, winter survival hinges on efficient energy use, strategic food storage, and enhanced thermal protection within self‑constructed refuges.