# @nationalparkservice on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DDz2-dOvi1r
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/25625238-nationalparkservice-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/0794fb0b63.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-20T18:30:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Park Service (@nationalparkservice) — https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice

## Caption

It’s called fashion, Brenda. Look it up!

Winter weather can bring colder temperatures and even bolder fashion choices for wildlife found in parks. Animals have evolved fascinating adaptations to not just survive but thrive with physical adaptations that showcase nature’s ingenuity and resilience.

For example, take the ptarmigan (the ‘p’ is silent). This stocky, chicken-like bird with a short bill and tail is a year-round resident in Denali. In winter, their plumage turns white, which allows them to blend in with the snow.

Snowshoe hares are well-adapted for, well, snow. Their large hind feet enable easy travel on snow. As the days get shorter, they put on a white winter coat, which offers great camouflage; it’s also short and thick, providing an extra layer of insulation.

Ermine, also known as stoats and weasels, can change color to match the seasons. Please don’t hold them next to your ear. They go from brown to white in winter, which keeps them hidden from predators. Their fur also grows much thicker.

Layer up! Bison have a thin layer of soft, fine hair and an outer layer of coarse, thick hair. Together, they provide great insulation. The coat is so thick and insulates the bison’s body so well that when snow lands on the bison, it won’t melt from body heat. In the spring, they shed their hair in large clumps for a casual, shaggy look.

Moose grow the perfect winter coat with long, hollow strands that form a thick, dense undercoat that traps air and keeps them warm. Their chocolate “moose” color also helps them absorb every ray of sunshine, making them good at retaining heat. Does this make them a ray of sunshine?Debatable.

I can’t put my arms down! In the colder months, park rangers know how to keep warm. From heavy jackets, warm hats, and scarves, they’re ready for any outdoor ranger activities. You can’t put your arms down? No, really?

Image 1: Ptarmigan in the snow
Image 2: Snowshoe hare
Image 3: Ermine with white fur
Image 4: Bison
Image 5: Moose in the snow
Image 6: Ranger showing off winter gear

#winterwear #nationalpark

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
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## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Park Service | @nationalparkservice | https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice | Government Organization |

## Tags

winterwear, nationalpark

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