Ready for Winter
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Winter can be very cold. Less food grows. Animals have to prepare
prepare
TIM MACPHERSON—GETTY IMAGES
to make ready; to get ready
(verb)
We put up decorations to prepare for the party.
for these changes. Here is how some animals get ready for winter.
Some animals migrate.
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Many birds migrate. They go where it is warm for the winter. Monarch butterflies and gray whales also move to warmer places.
Some animals hibernate.
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Hibernating is like sleeping. When animals hibernate, they are not very active. They do not need much food. Chipmunks and bats hibernate. So do bears.
Some animals take shelter.
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Moles live underground. They tunnel deeper in winter. The soil does not freeze there. Opossums line their dens
den
JIM AUSTIN JIMAGES DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
a shelter for an animal in the wild
(noun)
The wolf cubs were safe in their den.
with leaves to keep warm.
Some animals grow new fur.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/K1_221118_grow_new_fur.jpg?w=1024)
The fur of Arctic foxes turns white. White-tailed deer grow thicker coats for the cold.
Did You Know?
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Pets prepare for winter too. Some dog breeds grow a second coat for the cold. This is a husky. It sheds its undercoat for the summer.