Thundersnow is rare thunder and lightning during a snowstorm. It needs instability, moisture, and a lifting mechanism in the atmosphere—similar to summer storms. It often happens near large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. Snow dampens sound, so thunder is quieter and harder to hear unless nearby. Thundersnow signals heavy snowfall and fast accumulation, often occurring when air temperatures are near freezing and pockets of warm air rise, creating an electrical charge.

Needle ice forms when moist soil pushes water to the surface through capillary action, and the cold air freezes it into delicate ice columns. This happens when the ground is above freezing but the air is below 32°F. The right mix of moisture, soil texture, and temperature creates this rare sight. Look for it after a wet day followed by a freeze, especially on bare soil or trails. Listen for the crunch underfoot—you might find this magical ice up close.

A disease called white-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus P. destructans, is killing millions of hibernating bats in North America. It spreads in caves and causes abnormal behavior and death. While humans can’t catch it, we can spread the fungus. There’s no cure yet, but you can help by avoiding closed caves and reporting dead bats.

In winter, large bald-faced hornet nests become visible in trees. Built anew each spring by a single queen, these papery nests house up to 300 hornets by summer. Though they can sting multiple times and damage wood, hornets also pollinate plants and control garden pests. If the nest isn’t causing harm, it’s best to leave it alone — bald-faced hornets play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Eyeshine is the glow you see in some animals’ eyes at night, caused by a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum. It helps nocturnal and crepuscular animals like deer, foxes, and cats see better in low light. Eyeshine can appear in different colors depending on the animal and angle. Humans and many daytime animals don’t have this feature. So next time you’re out at night, watch for those glowing eyes.

Fall brings scattered seeds and busy wildlife. Acorns hold protein-rich nut meat squirrels love. Kentucky coffeetree pods look like bananas but are toxic unless roasted. Black walnuts have tough husks and bitter nuts enjoyed by animals and used as dye. Milkweed pods release fluffy seeds that float in the wind and help with nesting. There’s plenty to discover on autumn trails.

White-tailed deer leave silent signs like scrapes and rubs that reveal their presence and behavior. Scrapes are made under low branches and marked with scent and urine, often during mating season. Rubs are made when bucks shed velvet from antlers or mark territory using tree bark and scent glands. These signs help deer communicate without sound, especially during the rut when bucks become more active and visible.

Puffballs are spherical mushrooms that release clouds of spores when touched or hit by rain. Found in grassy areas and forests, they help decompose organic matter. Giant puffballs can reach massive sizes and were named Illinois’ official state mushroom in 2024. Some species have medicinal uses and were used by Native tribes. Common types include gem-studded, stump, purple-spored, and brain puffballs.