Most small mammals, such as the
red-backed vole, ...
Most small mammals, such as the
red-backed vole, ...
... northern flying squirrel,
...
... and snowshoe hare survived
because the forests were not dramatically altered by ashfall.
Red-backed voles (Clethrionomys
gapperi) were able to survive because the dark, dense forests they prefer
were not drastically changed by the ashfall. The red-backed vole's
primary food is underground fungi, and his dropping contain a lot of
undigested fungi spores. During his daily travels, the vole spreads this
beneficial fungi by leaving droppings at several locations.
Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) remained active
in ashfall forests. They built nests in branches of trees and in
abandoned woodpecker nests.
Northern flying squirrels don't
actually fly. They have folds of skin between their legs which allow
them to glide from tree to tree. They are active only at night, and have
extremely large eyes which gather light.
Although the ash covered low plants
along the forest floor, snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) remained
active. The surviving shrubs and young saplings provided ample food and
cover.
For protection from predators the
snowshoe hare's fur changes from brown to white in the winter months.
This allows the hare to blend into the snow covered landscape.
In the spring, when the snow is
gone, the fur changes back to shades of brown. This is to disguise them
better on the forest floor.
The large, webbed hind feet have
dense, stiff hair between the toes. They act as snowshoes. This allows
the hare to live in areas with high snowfall. Large ears and eyes allow
the snowshoe hare to detect predators before they themselves are
discovered.
Ashfall, Animal Survivors
Plants and Animals, During
Plants and Animals
Mount St. Helens
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