I got up this morning and looked at the temperature and it said -9. That was the actual temperature, not the wind chill.

As I bundled up and hustled out to my car to drive to work, shivering all the way, I paused and wondered how indigenous wildlife survives these Arctic days.

I know a lot of bird species just pack up and head south, and some animals find a nice warm hole and hibernate through the winter.

But those that remain to deal with the harsh conditions must be tough critters indeed.

Animal advocates are always reminding us to bring our pets indoors when it's really cold out, so how do deer and raccoon and turkeys and foxes survive? How do fish survive when most of their environment is frozen solid?

It's one of nature's mysteries I guess. It's something I might ponder more tonight...while I am wrapped up in an electric blanket set on high, and sipping on some hot chocolate.

Read or Share this story: http://stargaz.tt/1C12EJh