Surviving Winter: How Small Mammals Thrive in the Texas Panhandle
Odell Ward, PG
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During the cold, arid winters of the Texas Panhandle, small mammals like field mice, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), and pack rats (Neotoma micropus) manage to stay hydrated without depending on open water sources. These rodents primarily derive their moisture from “pre-formed” water found in their diets, which include seeds, green shoots, and succulent plant parts such as prickly-pear pads. For pack rats, prevalent throughout the western Ogallala region, this plant-based moisture serves as their main water source throughout the year.
A secondary source of hydration comes from metabolic water, which is produced internally during the oxidation of food. By metabolizing fats and carbohydrates, these rodents generate small yet crucial amounts of water—sufficient to sustain them during prolonged freezes when liquid water is scarce. Additionally, those that enter barns, homes, or grain facilities will opportunistically drink from sources like condensation, plumbing leaks, or pet bowls.
Rodents also employ various physiological adaptations to conserve moisture. They possess highly efficient kidneys that produce concentrated urine, dry feces, and nasal passages capable of recycling moisture from exhaled air. By reducing their activity levels and utilizing insulated burrows, they further minimize water loss. These adaptations enable rodents to remain active in sub-freezing temperatures without relying on surface water or snowmelt, which are uncommon in the Southern High Plains.
For landowners, the presence of rodents during winter is maintained by accessible food and micro-sources of moisture. To mitigate infestations, it is crucial to limit leaks (as leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water from the Ogallala), secure grain (as grains left on the ground or unsecured waste valuable resources like Ogallala water), and manage vegetation around structures.
Top References
1. Desert Museum. White-throated Woodrat (Neotoma albigula) Fact Sheet. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2024.
2. Skedaddle Wildlife Control. Field Mice in the Winter. York Region Blog, 2023.