My good friend and neighbor, Lois, has accompanied me on a few treks through the woods up at the Nike Site. Earlier this week, before the snowmelt, we hiked from the pickleball court parking lot, past the water tower and the cairn, and down the hill to Manchester Country Club on snowshoes. We saw a herd of deer with at least twenty deer, some beautiful views into the distance and close by, and snow fleas. And, yes, snow fleas are really a thing. You just have to look for them.
- Manchester Country Club through the Trees
Deer Footprints
Manchester Snow Fleas
Fun Facts About Snow Fleas
- Snow fleas are not fleas and are harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite.
- They eat fungi, algae, and bacteria.
- Snow fleas are tiny, only about 1/16th of an inch.
- They are also known as springtails.
- Springtails don’t have wings but jump around.
- They are active all year but more noticeable in the snow.
- Snow fleas (Springtails) have an antifreeze protein that allows them to survive in winter.