|
 Deciduous
Forest: Animals
A wide variety
of mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles can be found in a deciduous
forest biome. Mammals that are commonly found in a deciduous forest
include bears, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, wood mice, and, in the
U.S., deer can be found in these forests. While bobcats, mountain
lions, timberwolves, and coyotes are natural residents of these
forests, they have nearly been eliminated by humans because of their
threat to human life. Other animals that were native to this biome,
such as elk and bison, have been hunted to near extinction.
 Animal
Adaptations
Migration and hibernation are two adaptations used by the animals
in this biome. While a wide variety of birds migrate, many of the
mammals hibernate during the cold winter months when food is in
short supply.
Another behavioral adaptation
some animals have adopted is food storage. The nuts and seeds that
are plentiful during the summer are gathered by squirrels, chipmunks,
and some jays, and are stored in the hollows of trees for use during
the winter months. Cold temperatures help prevent the decomposition
of the nuts and seeds. Photos ©
2000-www.arttoday.com
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