Climate change is fueling the risks of extreme natural disasters, including intense heat waves, prolonged wildfire season, harsher hurricanes, and overall, more severe storm patterns. While the impacts of such extreme weather events on revenue, properties, and crops can be numbered, the harm to ecosystems and wildlife is more difficult to measure, and sometimes, even completely overlooked. 

The large-scale disturbances related to climate change have forced numerous wildlife species to evolve and adjust to their new environments. For instance, the change in bird migration patterns after a polar vortex. These extreme patterns are becoming more intense, up to the point that the animals and plants may no longer be able to adjust. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species states that at least 10,967 species are currently impacted by climate change, posing a greater risk of their extinction. Studies have already warned many years ago about the impact of climate change on the extinction of approximately 8% of species. Newer research now estimates that 3 to 14% of wildlife belonging to terrestrial ecosystems will face the danger of extinction if global temperatures exceed 1.5°C. Both warm and freezing winters hamper the natural migration process of wildlife. It disturbs their routes and forces them to adapt to unfamiliar conditions, which directly handicaps their ability to survive and reproduce. Below are highlights of certain animals facing serious threats from extreme winters (source: Wildlife Habitat Council).  

• The pikas rest under grass dens (gathered during summer) insulated by snowpack. Warmer winters reduce the chances of heavier snow, which limits snow insulation and access to keep themselves warm.  

• Virginia opossums are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia on their hairless tails and ears in harshly cold surroundings. 

• Diamondback moths are invasive species that reproduce fast and outcompete local species for food, water, and habitat. They are also considered the most harmful insect pest of brassica crops. The acceleration of climate change weakens the native species and makes them easier targets, which increases the risks of biodiversity loss and diamondback moth infestations in the natural world.  

• Extreme water temperature drops can result in the freezing of water bodies which causes birds and sea turtles that frequent warm water to perish.  

• The Canada Lynx face the struggle to feed as a result of climate change impacting their major source of food, i.e., boreal forest habitats. The boreal forest habitats are dwindling, becoming more dispersed, and are in danger of disappearing due to the drastically changing seasons. This inevitably affects Canada Lynxes who depend on boreal forest animals to survive. 

• Extreme weather disrupts animals’ cycle of hibernation. It compromises their awakening season and ability to find food, posing threats of starvation and death.

How To Help the Wildlife 

Climate change has placed the survival of wildlife and the balance of the natural world at risk. To give more species a chance to survive in a warming world, the only solution to the unrelenting crisis and the adaptability of ecosystems is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the meantime, we can take steps in our backyards to help your local native wildlife thrive.  

• Leave out food items such as seeds, berries, fresh unsalted peanuts, dried mealworms, etc. This helps feed small animals and birds since ice-cold winters can make food resources scarce.  

• Center your garden around native plants to your area, this will create shelters and habitats for native wildlife species to hunker down in during the cold winters. 

• Thick-ice traps essential water resources during winters which can prevent animals from staying hydrated. To help them get the required hydration, leave fresh water in a bowl (and replace the water daily) in your backyard or other spots you think they may scurry around.  

• Many amphibians, during freezing winter get trapped under the ice of a de-oxygenated water body. Losing access to open water and air. You can help by breaking an opening in the frozen ponds.  

• If you cannot aid the animals firsthand, there is always the option of food or other supplies donation to wildlife organizations.

Conclusion  

The wildlife population is vulnerable during the winter because of food and freshwater supply shortages. Add to that the volatile climate change challenges, leaves them not being able to adequately adapt to their conditions. These reasons are one of many why assisting animals during the winter is worthwhile. Help your local wildlife get through the winter to contribute to global wildlife conservation!