The first big storm of the winter season is providing plenty of fodder for the cable news and weather stations. Warnings about icy highways, heavy snow, severe cold and ground blizzards have many Midwesterners glued to their sets and worried about their upcoming travels.
This inate and justified fear of the cold is likely imbedded in the collective human memory. Afterall, our species evolved in the tropics and we are not naturally equipped for cold weather. While northern races have developed body traits that improve cold tolerance, early man had to adapt to life in the temperate and arctic zones through the use of fire and animal skins. Now, snug in our heated homes, we still sense the danger of winter's wrath.
On the other hand, birds and wild mammals are well prepared to withstand the winter chill. Feathers and fur provide excellent insulation and their natural instincts direct them to food or prompt them to den up until conditions improve. Better yet, they have no thermometers to check or TV weathermen to instill fear in their souls.
