Humans aren’t the only animals that gather to hunker down together at Christmas

By Anna Champneys, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation, Nottingham Trent University

Just as humans have historically gathered during winter, many animals do the same. Animals may not be exchanging presents or decorating their nests and dens but a lot of species become more social in winter – even ones that are normally solitary.

Animals have more to worry about this time of year than bickering relatives or the last date for Christmas post. Winter poses severe challenges for wildlife, from freezing…

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