Winter Predators in Your Garden

At the beginning of February, I’m delighted to be back at it again, concocting articles about nature, ecology and gardening. I hope you didn’t miss me too much in January (I did!).

Living in the countryside, I took advantage of January to observe my garden. I did it from a distance, indoors… Here in Quebec, at -30 C (-22 F) with snow up to my knees and the wind in my face, the chances of seeing me outside are at least -8000!

In short, I’ve been observing nature through my multiple layers of blankets, and I’ve been lucky enough to spot a few winter predators, or traces of predators, all around my garden. Did you know that keeping small mammal populations in balance takes place in winter as well as summer?

(By the way, mice do NOT sleep in winter! And since I found damage in my Jerusalem artichokes in the fall, I wonder what they’ll have left me for spring! I already haven’t got any parsnips this year… I’m going to have to fast until June 😉

In short, I’d like to introduce you to some of these Quebec predators, who often have a look-alike in Europe, and who rummage through the snow to feed on mice, field mice, rats, shrews and other small mammals.

Snowy Owl

Probably the most impressive winter bird in Quebec! Did you know that it is the avian emblem of Quebec? It usually lives in the Arctic Circle, but in winter, its range extends further south, on all sides of the globe, delighting us with its presence all over the province (yes, even to the south!).

It’s the only species in the group that hunts by day. To see this bird perched high above the ground, or on the ground in the snow, illuminated by the sun, is breathtaking. It’s a bird you never get used to seeing, and one that fills you with wonder at every encounter. It’s simply sublime! Just imagine… holding it in your fist!

In short, if you see one, be aware that it feeds on small mammals. Since its favorite food in the Far North is lemmings, it hunts small mice when it visits us, not dogs or cats. But beware of its close cousin, the great horned owl. Sometimes feeding on skunks, a small pet is right up his alley. Keep an eye on your Chihuahua!

With its highly developed sense of hearing, the snowy owl, and strigiformes in general (owls and barn owls), can hear prey moving under the snow. They then pounce on them, plunging feet-first to catch them in their powerful talons.

Fox

Although the fox is unfortunately known as a threat to chicken coops, migratory waterfowl and rabbits, it is also a consumer of small mammals. In fact, contrary to popular belief that canids (the dog family) are carnivores, they are rather generalists, preferring a diversified diet. Fruits, herbs, insects, mushrooms and other foods are also part of their diet. In fact, I’ve got some great proof to offer here: my dog’s pupils dilate to the max when he sees me harvesting my little tomatoes. It’s HIS treat par excellence! And what about the summer when he chewed on an old Brussels sprout trunk for months on end… In short, dogs/foxes/coyotes/wolves eat a lot of stuff!

While foxes sometimes stock up for the harsh cold season, they also hunt small mammals under the snow. We’ve all seen the funny video of the fox diving headfirst into the snow, haven’t we? Well, just for the pretty pictures, here it is:

What about the coyote? While the fox prefers more natural habitats with abundant vegetation, the coyote is at home anywhere… even downtown! They’ll eat anything they can get their hands on, including carrion, and pizza leftovers in garbage cans. What’s wrong with that? After all, it’s a dog!

Be aware, however, that the coyote can hunt in groups, enabling it to attack larger prey such as deer, or even your pets. They aren’t dangerous, but respect their space if you see them (although they are very discreet). Conclusion: if it catches a mouse in your garden, it will gladly eat it, even if it’s not the most common source of food for this magnificent wild dog.

Stoat

If I’m talking about predators, I absolutely must mention the most adorable of them all (and perhaps also the scariest): the ermine or stoat. All together: awwwwwww!!!

Very discreet, it turns white in winter to blend in with its surroundings. It’s small, supple (I’d even go so far as to say fluid!), lives in forests or fields and has frightening teeth!

A bit like canids, the ermine has a varied diet, although it’s mainly carnivorous. In winter, in the absence of frogs, rabbits and eggs, it concentrates on small mammals. Mice, shrews… why not a rat or squirrel? Despite its small size, and the fact that it hunts alone, it is capable of attacking animals larger than itself. How is this possible? Her canine teeth are so long that when she plants them in the neck of her prey, death is almost instantaneous. I told you she was scary!

The ermine is a member of the mustelid family. Martens, otters, ferrets, pekans, wolverines and weasels also belong to this group: all excellent predators! The weasel, often confused with the ermine, also hunts small mammals in the field. These fearful animals are no threat to humans; on the contrary, they’re your allies (if you don’t keep chickens or rabbits, of course!).

One last thing, just in passing… Mustelids, contrary to popular belief, don’t kill for pleasure. It’s simply an animal that, when food is plentiful, like in a chicken coop, will hide the surplus and save it for later.

If a squirrel hides acorns, why shouldn’t a carnivore do the same with its prey?

Feral Cat

This one is a real problem for ecosystems in Canada (and no doubt elsewhere in the world!): the domestic cat back in the wild. According to some studies, hundreds of thousands of birds fall victim to cats every year in Canada. Although these pussycats are unparalleled hunters who can’t tell the difference between an endangered species and a sparrow (which is invasive!), they are first and foremost strict generalist carnivores.

What does that mean?

That means a cat eats only meat (strict carnivore), but isn’t picky about the type of prey. So, basically, it’s a good thing for the gardener who has to deal with unwanted small mammals. Hey, let’s look on the bright side!

What about our biggest wildcats, bobcats and Canada lynxes? Ah, you know, I’d love to have them in my house, but they’re not animals that live near humans. As a rule, they’re found in large wooded areas like mountains or protected parks. The chances of seeing one in your home are very slim… well… unless you have a cottage on Mount Sutton, but even then, the lynx is likely to avoid your home and go hunting for birds and mammals elsewhere!

And the cougar? There hasn’t been a cougar in Quebec since 1938, and every time there are supposed traces, it’s a hoax, or an isolated individual (probably escaped)… sorry!

Opportunists

In winter, food is scarce for many animals. While some can afford to go to sleep, others have no choice but to survive. Many omnivorous or generalist animals, however, are lucky enough to be able to feed on a wide variety of foods, and in winter their diets can change and adapt. For example, a hunter may suddenly become a scavenger if the opportunity arises. And an animal that usually hunts in a pond may, in winter, decide to hunt mice rather than frogs!

These animals, which eat just about anything they can find, are known as “opportunists”. Some of the animals I mentioned earlier, such as coyotes, fall into this category.

But don’t be surprised if a crow, a raccoon or even a deer runs past you with a rodent in its mouth: you’d do it too if your survival depended on it! You’ve simply got a soldier with a difference in the defenders of your garden this winter!