Not Hibernating: Connecticut Animals Thriving in the Cold

I always assumed that most animals either scurry off or hibernate in a cave during a cold Connecticut winter. Recently, though, I learned from our I-95 wildlife correspondent, Jen the Zookeeper, that this isn’t the case at all. I asked Jen for a few examples, and she came back with far more than I expected. Here’s what she shared with us.

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Winter Animals of Connecticut: Who Forgot to Hibernate?

While many of us are layered in sweaters, questioning our life choices, and counting the days until spring, several Connecticut animals are out there living their best cold-weather lives. Contrary to popular belief, winter does not turn the state into a wildlife ghost town. Some animals simply refuse to take the season off.

White-tailed deer are the most obvious winter overachievers. If you drive anywhere at dawn or dusk, you’ve probably met one. They spend winter forming groups, conserving energy, and staring at humans like we’re the strange ones for being outside.

Squirrels remain active all winter, fueled entirely by forgotten acorns and spite. They can be seen darting across yards, digging holes they will never return to, and somehow locating the one bird feeder you hoped they wouldn’t notice.

Rabbits also stay active, leaving delicate little tracks in the snow that suggest innocence, even though they’ve been chewing bark off your shrubs all night. They rely on brush piles and backyard cover to stay safe, which is why your “messy corner” is actually prime rabbit real estate.

Red foxes are winter’s quiet professionals. They hunt efficiently, trot gracefully across snowy fields, and occasionally pause to listen for prey beneath the snow before pouncing like they’re starring in a nature documentary. If you spot one, consider yourself lucky—they’ve probably already seen you and judged your boots.

Read More: Connecticut Winter Wildlife Alert - Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles, What to Know 

Coyotes remain active year-round and become more noticeable in winter when their howls carry farther through the cold air. If you hear what sounds like a chaotic group argument at night, congratulations—you live in Connecticut.

Raccoons don’t truly hibernate; they simply nap aggressively. On warmer winter days, they may emerge to look for food, appearing surprised that winter is still happening.

Bird lovers will notice that cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, and nuthatches are still around, cheerfully ignoring the temperature. Winter is also prime time for bald eagle sightings, especially near open water, because nothing says “majestic” like fishing in freezing weather.

And then there’s the black bear, officially denning for winter but occasionally waking up on warmer days, just to keep things interesting. Think of them as hitting the snooze button on hibernation.

So, while some animals are tucked away until spring, plenty are out there navigating snow, ice, and Connecticut winters with impressive determination. The next time you’re bundled up and grumbling about the cold, remember somewhere nearby, a squirrel is thriving.

More on Jen the Zookeeper

Jen has spent more than 30 years immersed in the fields of animal care, conservation, and science education. As the former Director of Animal Care for the New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she oversaw the care of native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey while educating the public about the important roles these wild neighbors play in our ecosystem. Her experience also includes time with both the Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, where she focused on the care of African and Asian wildlife and helped teach visitors about the delicate balance between humans and natural habitats.

Later, while working at a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, California, Jen played a key role in training and handling nearly 50 exotic species. She also developed educational programs for at-risk and foster youth, helping historically underserved kids build trust, confidence, and healing connections with the non-releasable animals at the sanctuary.

In addition to her extensive wildlife work, Jen has experience in horse and dog training, animal control, veterinary care, and all things conservation education. Today, she owns and operates Jen Kotkin Pet Care, where she provides personalized care, exercise, and enrichment for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more.