A snag is a dead tree that is still standing. Of course, a tree does many good things when it is alive. But after it dies, it can be just as important for wildlife.

by Kate Hofmann; Art by Debbie Palen

Here are some animals that don’t think snags are a drag at all:

• Tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and raccoons that make cozy nests inside hollow parts of the tree.
• Bats that rest underneath the loose bark.
• Butterflies, moths, treefrogs, and other small animals that hide in holes and under bark.
• Beetles and other insects that tunnel into the soft, rotting wood to lay their eggs.
• Woodpeckers that eat the insects and carve out holes for their nests.
• Birds such as owls, wrens, bluebirds, and wood ducks that move into woodpeckers’ holes after they move out.
• Eagles, ospreys, herons, and owls that build nests atop snags.
• Flycatchers, kingfishers, and birds of prey that use snags as perches and look-outs when hunting.

SPOT A SNAG!
Next time you’re in a forest, in a field, or near water, keep an eye out for snags. Use the checklist below to describe what you discover about each.

• Animals using the snag: What kinds do you see? How are they using it?
• State of the snag: Is it sturdy, or do you think it will soon fall?
• Fallen logs: These may have been snags once. Look on, in, and under the log for more animals.
• New trees: Tree seeds sprout, take root, and grow in the rich soil formed when logs rot away.

Snags may be dead, but don’t be fooled—they are full of life!