GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Every winter, three animals that make their homes in Grand Teton National Park trade their summer fur for a white coat: snowshoe hares, long-tailed weasels and short-tailed weasels.
While it may seem that the color change would be triggered by the temperature, it is actually triggered by the amount of daylight. The white fur is thicker and the hairs are hollow which helps trap air to insulate the furry critters in additions to providing camouflage against the snow, according to Grand Teton National Park.
The coloration comes with a catch, though. If snow arrives late or melts early, like this year, those white coats can stand out against the brown ground, making them easier targets for predators.
The tip of the weasels’ tails will turn black in the winter months, effectively acting as a decoy against predators so they can swiftly make their escape.
Keep an eye out for these critters this winter when venturing into Grand Teton National Park!
