eli5…How do wild mammals not freeze to death

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Deer, foxes, rabbits, etc. are all warm blooded mammals that regularly experience sub-freezing temperatures that would kill humans in a matter of hours. How do they survive?

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One way mammals stay warm in the winter is by having a layer of fat under their skin. This fat acts like insulation, helping to keep their bodies warm. Some mammals, like bears, build up a thick layer of fat before winter to help them survive the cold.
Another way that mammals stay warm is by moving around and staying active. When they are active, their bodies generate heat, which helps to keep them warm.
Mammals also have special coatings on their fur or hair that help to keep them warm. For example, some mammals have thick, fluffy fur that traps air and helps to insulate their bodies. Others have a layer of waterproof fur or hair that helps to keep them dry and warm in the snow.
Finally, some mammals have special behaviors that help them stay warm in the winter. For example, some mammals huddle together for warmth or burrow underground to escape the cold.

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