Characteristics of Animals in the Temperate Forest

Temperate forests in North America, also referred to as deciduous forests, are the homes of many diverse animal species. These animals have many common characteristics as well as some unique traits. While a large variety of animals continue to inhabit the forest, others that were once common, like elk, mountain lions, and timber wolves, have been nearly wiped out by hunting and natural habitat loss.

  1. Living Off the Land

    • Animals take advantage of what the forest offers to build shelters and procure food. Squirrels and rabbits use hollows in trees and fallen logs to build their nests. Years of falling leaves have created a moist and fertile carpet under which animals find protection, coolness, and sustenance. Deer bed down on this cozy mattress after a long day of wandering the woods. During three seasons of the year, while the weather is still warm, animals live off the land. Both carnivores and herbivores are denizens of the forest. There are abundant plants which provide flowers, seeds, berries, and sap. Insects, grubs, worms, and larvae are prolific. Small reptiles like snakes and lizards also provide nourishment. Deer, rabbits, and rodents are prey for coyotes, foxes, and wolves.

    MIgration or Hibernation

    • Settling down for a long nap

      When winter approaches, some creatures leave for warmer climates while others grow thicker coats, some of which turn from brown to white to blend with the winter snow. Bears, squirrels, bats, frogs, and snakes hibernate although they may wake from time to time to forage. These animals eat a great deal before the weather turns cold to store fat during the season when food is scarce. Some, like squirrels and chipmunks, gather and store food while it's plentiful, thus having a full pantry to feed from until spring.

    Diurnal Versus Nocturnal

    • NIght Hunter

      Diurnal animals are primarily active in the daytime. If you took an afternoon walk in the woods, these are the creatures you would see. However, if you find yourself in the forest after dark, you might encounter the nocturnal bat, fox, raccoon, or opossum. These animals are characterized by their enormous eyes, sharp sense of smell, and extremely acute hearing and sight. These attributes are necessary to ensure success when hunting for food at night.

    Mating Season

    • Forest animals mate after the spring thaw when the weather has grown warmer and new tasty buds begin to appear. Every species has its unique mating call so the forest is a noisy place this time of year. Most woodland creatures reproduce only once each season although some, like the rabbit, may have two or three broods.