Where do mice live in winter? - briefly
Mice seek shelter in insulated burrows, wall voids, attics, or other protected crevices where temperature remains stable and food is accessible during the cold season. These locations offer warmth, safety from predators, and proximity to stored provisions.
Where do mice live in winter? - in detail
Mice seek protected environments when temperatures drop. Their primary shelters are underground tunnels and deep burrows that maintain a relatively constant temperature, often between 5 °C and 10 °C depending on soil composition and depth. These passages are lined with shredded plant material, fur, and dried leaves, providing insulation and a dry surface for nesting.
In temperate regions, many species relocate to human structures. Common indoor sites include:
- attics, where insulation and stored debris create warm micro‑climates;
- wall voids, especially behind baseboards, offering both concealment and proximity to food sources;
- crawl spaces, which retain moisture and moderate temperature fluctuations;
- garages and sheds, where piles of firewood or stored boxes supply additional cover.
Some mice construct temporary nests in leaf litter or dense vegetation on the forest floor, using the accumulated organic matter to retain heat. These nests are typically occupied only during milder periods of winter and are abandoned when frost penetrates the ground layer.
Food availability influences shelter choice. Species that cache seeds or grains often remain near storage areas, such as grain bins in barns or pantry shelves in homes. Access to stored provisions reduces the need to travel long distances in cold weather and lowers exposure to predators.
Physiological adaptations support survival in these habitats. Reduced metabolic rate, increased brown adipose tissue activity, and periodic torpor enable mice to conserve energy while occupying cramped, insulated spaces. Social clustering—multiple individuals sharing a nest—further enhances heat retention.
Overall, winter residences range from deep natural burrows to man‑made cavities, each selected for thermal stability, protection from predators, and proximity to food reserves.