Judging from the bloom of down coats showing up downtown this week, humans have learned a few valuable lessons from wildlife about surviving bitter cold weather.

But critters are the masters at enduring cold with their own feathers, fur, fat, mobility and other adaptations beyond human capability.

Marmots and grizzly bears have taken the easy way out by fattening up before checking in to sleep in winter dens.

Meanwhile, pikas – the “rock rabbits” of mountain talus slopes – stay cozy and active under deep snow feeding on some 50 pounds of “hay” apiece stashed in rock crevasses/Rich Landers, SR Outdoors. More here.