How Do Snow Monkeys Protect Themselves?

The Snow Monkey's Environment

Snow monkeys spend most of their time in trees. Not only does this place them out of the reach of predators, it also protects them from the freezing temperatures found on the snow-covered ground. To help minimize the amount of time spent on the ground, Japanese macaques will often store food in cheek pouches so that they can consume them later in the safety of the trees. When on the ground, snow monkeys stay in groups of 20 or more. This allows the troop to keep an eye in all directions for approaching predators.

Protection from Predators

Snow monkeys spend most of their time in trees. Not only does this place them out of the reach of predators, it also protects them from the freezing temperatures found on the snow-covered ground. To help minimize the amount of time spent on the ground, Japanese macaques will often store food in cheek pouches so that they can consume them later in the safety of the trees. When on the ground, snow monkeys stay in groups of 20 or more. This allows the troop to keep an eye in all directions for approaching predators.

Protection from the Cold

A full layer of fur, which can be gray, brown, tan or mottled, grows thicker in the winter to allow snow monkeys to retain more body heat. Snow monkeys also sun themselves during the day to remain warm and have even been known to visit naturally occurring hot springs to escape from temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Protecting Young Snow Monkeys

Adolescent snow monkeys are cared for and protected by the adults in the troop for approximately two years. This is largely the responsibility of the mother, though males will often assist by carrying or huddling with the young macaque to keep it warm.