Snags—The name for dead trees that are left upright to decompose naturally.
Logs—When a snag (or part of a snag) falls on the ground, it becomes a log—also very useful for wildlife habitat.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, dead trees provide vital habitat for more than 1,000 species of wildlife nationwide.
How Dead Trees Help Wildlife
Wildlife species use nearly every part of a dead tree in every stage of its decay for things such as:
A Place to Live—Many animals, including birds, bats, squirrels and raccoons make nests in hollow cavities and crevices in standing deadwood.
A Food Source—By attracting insects, mosses, lichens and fungi, deadwood becomes a gourmet restaurant for wildlife looking for a snack.
A "Crow's Nest"—Higher branches of snags serve as excellent look-outs from which wildlife such as raptors spot potential prey.
A Hiding Place—The nooks and crannies of deadwood are put to good use by squirrels and other wildlife looking to store food.
A Soil Refresher—Mosses, lichens and fungi all grow on snags and aid in the return of vital nutrients to the soil through the nitrogen cycle. Decaying logs on the forest floor also act as "nurse logs" for new seedlings.