Long, hard winter protects some endangered animals

The rough winter isn't all bad for some animals, including some endangered species that use snow and ice to protect themselves and their eggs.

Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources photo

Karner blue butterflies, found in the Great Lakes states, “do best when there’s continual deep snow through the whole winter,” state adaptation specialist Chris Hoving told Lacee Shepard of Michigan's Capital News Service. “That’s what we’ve had this winter for the first time in decades. It’s excellent weather for blue butterflies.”

The butterflies like to lay eggs in late summer that overwinter and hatch in spring, Barbara Hosler, an endangered-species coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: “They lay eggs in leaf litter close to the ground for more protection from the elements. That snow cover will provide insulation, protect eggs from actual air temperatures which can be quite a bit colder than ground level underneath a nice blanket of snow. It also keeps the eggs from drying out, which can get them through the winter.”

Populations of the butterfly fell last year, "but there is hope that this severe winter will allow for a rise in population," Shepard reports, noting that it is among more than 100 endangered species in Michigan that are "threatened to some degree by a warming climate."

One such species is the cisco, a fish that lays eggs under ice and needs lack of wave action for them to survive, Shepard reports. "Other endangered species that are doing well in the heavy snowfall include snowshoe hare (Wikipedia photo), a mammal that turns white in winter months, said Hoving. This year’s heavy snow allows for the hare to blend in with its seasonal white coat. The ruffed grouse is taking advantage of the snow, said Hoving. The grouse will burrow under deep snow to hide from predators. Last year’s lack of snow left the grouse exposed." (Read more via Great Lakes Echo)