Winter is coming... *cold face emoji* Usually, we talk about animals you can see in the park, but let's talk about those creatures that you might not see this season! Winter is upon us and for some animals in the park that means it's time to close up shop for the year and wait for spring. Many animals hibernate to make it through winter when food can be scarce. But some animals, like our cold-blooded reptiles, also hibernate because it's just too chilly. Cold-blooded animals need warm days and sunlight to regulate their body temperatures and the winter days just don't cut it. But under the ground, temperatures stay more constant and comfortable enough to survive until spring. Mojave Desert Tortoises burrow deep into the ground to avoid winter cold. Great Basin Rattlesnakes hibernate too, emerging in spring to start the mating season. Many lizards in Zion enter brumation in the winter- a period of very low activity used to conserve energy. So while you may see many animals still out and about in Zion in the winter, think about those who you might not see! And hey, maybe you're hibernating too this winter - we get it. We'll see you and the reptiles in the spring. #ParkedAtHome