Top 10 animals who would hug a tree (if they could!)

Do you know all the amazing things forests do? They help clean our air and water, prevent flooding, give us lumber and paper, and so much more. This year, we’re working with NatureServe to show you some ways forests (and trees) help animals. What are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and let’s get going!

Foxes

If foxes could talk, they might say, “I love trees!”. And if trees could talk, they might say, “I love you, too!”. When foxes build their dens at the bottom of trees or in old tree trunks, the trees around them actually grow better! That’s because foxes will bring their food back to their den. The parts that they don’t eat get into the soil and make it more nutritious!

Birds

Tweet! Tweet! How many times have you heard that while walking through a forest? Probably a lot. That’s because forests are an awesome place for birds to build their homes. They especially like tall trees. They can build their nests high up in the branches, which protects them against hungry predators on the ground. Birds find food, like bugs and seeds, in trees too!

Salamanders

If you’re out in the woods and overturn a log, don’t be surprised if you find a salamander! That’s because logs help keep the soil cool and moist, two things these amphibians need to survive. Even living trees help salamanders! These little guys hate being in the sun, so forests (and all the shade that comes with them) are a great place for a salamander to call home.

Beavers

TIIIIMBERRRR! Beavers are famous for cutting down trees with their teeth and using them to build dams. They do this to create a pond of deep water, where they build their lodge (also out of trees), complete with a secret underwater entrance! This is where beavers go to sleep and hide from predators and bad weather.

Mice

Who would have thought that a tree would be a dream home for a mouse? Some mice love tree roots. They can tunnel along them, stash food, and build nests for their babies (called pups or pinkies). Other species, like deer mice, are great climbers. Instead of hanging out underground, they climb up the tree and make nests among the branches.

Snakes

Looking for a snake? Try a forest! You might find them hiding under logs where it’s cool and they can snack on insects. Or maybe you’ll find them up in the branches. That’s right: snakes can climb trees! Blue racers on Pelee Island have been spotted basking in the sun on branches more than 6 feet above the ground!

Bats

Did you know that not all bats sleep in caves? In fact, some bats sleep in trees! Now, before you go looking, these bats can be tricky to see. They might hide in a hole or squeeze between the bark and the trunk. Trees are also a perfect place for a hungry bat to get a bite to eat. They are usually crawling with insects, a food bats love!

Squirrels

Did you know that some squirrels wouldn’t have a home if not for trees? Unlike ground squirrels, which live in burrows beneath the soil, tree squirrels zoom up and down tree trunks and make daring leaps from branch to branch! It’s also where they sleep. They might set up camp in a hole in the tree or build a drey. Dreys are made of twigs and leaves, and it’s where squirrels can keep warm during the cold winter months. Have you ever seen a big clump of leaves in a tree with bare branches? It might be a drey!

Bears

Bears and trees share a special connection in the wild! Just like kids have their favorite hiding spots, bear cubs use trees as their ultimate escape from danger. These furry friends are not just tree-huggers; they climb up to grab delicious treats like honey, juicy berries, and crunchy insects. And when it’s time for a cozy winter nap, some bears, like the American black bear, snuggle into tree cavities for a long, peaceful hibernation. So, next time you explore the forest, remember, trees aren’t just homes for birds—they’re bear essentials too!

Butterflies

Butterflies rely on special trees to start their incredible life journey. Imagine tiny eggs tucked away on leaves, turning into munching caterpillars that never harm their leafy hosts. Some butterfly eggs are like hidden treasures high up in the tree canopy, waiting to hatch into fluttery wonders. Trees also become superhero shelters for butterflies, shielding them from bad weather, providing a sunny perch for daytime rest, and a cozy roost to settle in at night.

Trees are really important for animals. They give them places to live, building materials, things to eat, and protection from predators. Even planting Just 1 Tree can make a huge difference.

Look for Just 1 Tree in the Mission section of the app!