January is the Month of Greatest Cold

4.8

JANUARY is the month of greatest cold, of frozen lakes and ponds, of deep snow.

The northern woods in January are full of surprises. Though it is very cold, you can see green leaves in the trees and bushes. You can even find red berries in the woods in January.

Although some animals are sleeping, winter is a good time to watch many of the four-footed.

The raccoon, for example, has very short legs. So he stays at home when deep snow covers the ground, and even when the weather is not cold, he does not walk too far from his den. Racoons like to live in pairs.

Grey squirrels are very active in winter. It is easier to see their nests when the trees are bare.

It is hard to see flying squirrels in winter, because they leave their home in a hollow tree only after dark.

Rabbits do not like to dig. They live in holes, which are dug by some other animals. Rabbits must always remember of their enemy, the red fox, who hunts during the day. The fox often has to walk long distances looking for food. But he need not return to his den to sleep — he lies down in the snow and uses his tail as a blanket.