Where do mice go in winter? - briefly
Mice retreat to insulated burrows, nests, or human structures such as attics and walls, where they can conserve heat and access stored food. They stay active throughout the season, often clustering together to maintain body temperature.
Where do mice go in winter? - in detail
Mice survive the cold months by seeking insulated environments that protect them from freezing temperatures and predators. Their primary strategy is to remain within established burrows or nests that retain heat generated by the animals themselves. These underground chambers are often located beneath leaf litter, grass tussocks, or loose soil, where the depth and compactness of the earth buffer against external cold. In addition to natural burrows, mice may occupy:
- Crevices in rocks or fallen logs that provide stable microclimates.
- Abandoned burrows of other small mammals, such as voles, which already contain warm bedding material.
- Human-made structures, including wall voids, attic insulation, crawl spaces, and stored grain containers, where ambient temperature remains above freezing.
During winter, mice increase the amount of nesting material—dry grasses, shredded bark, wool, or soft fabrics—to enhance insulation. They also reduce activity levels, conserving energy by limiting foraging trips to the brief periods when ambient temperatures rise above the critical threshold for metabolic function. When external food sources are scarce, mice may rely on stored provisions within their nests or exploit human food supplies found in kitchens, pantries, or compost bins.
Physiologically, mice possess a high basal metabolic rate and the ability to generate body heat through shivering thermogenesis. However, this is insufficient without a protected shelter. Consequently, the selection of a winter refuge is driven by three criteria: thermal stability, predator avoidance, and access to food. Failure to locate a suitable site results in increased mortality, highlighting the essential role of these habitats in the seasonal survival of the species.