There are three basic strategies, or plans, that animals use to survive the change in conditions each winter. These survival strategies are migration, hibernation, and remaining active.
Each winter, shorter days and falling temperatures are signs for some animals to seek an environment with better weather and a steady supply of food. Moving from one place to another, where the chance of survival is better, is called migration. The longer the migration, the harder it can be on the animal. Some spend too much energy on their journeys and die. Others meet difficult weather conditions, are exposed to disease, or get attacked by other animals.