By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— As the months continue to grow colder, we tend to turn the heat up, keep the fireplace lit and use layers to keep warm. For animals, it’s more complicated than that, but they do have ways to survive the winter months.

To educate children about the adaptations animals possess to help them thrive in the cold, Oak Mountain State Park’s naturalist, Emily Cook, is hosting an Animal Adaptations class for homeschooled kids.

“I’ve offered homeschooled classes off and on throughout the year,” Cook said. “I was homeschooled, so I just wanted to give them things to do.”

She explained that she tries to relate the classes to something current, such as the changing seasons, which is why she chose animal adaptations.

Cook will focus on all kinds of animals including mammals, birds and more. She said some of the animals she will discuss are ones that can be found inside the park, and others are found outside Alabama.

“(My favorite part) is getting across a cool fact or something they might not have known before and reinforcing something they may have learned before,” Cook said.

The class is Nov. 19 from 10-11 a.m. Cook said she chose an hour-long period to ensure she can hold the attention of all the kids. Everyone will meet in the park office, and Cook said she will take the class outside if the weather allows.

Cook said the size of the classes fluctuates based on people’s schedules. She said she expects to have between 10 to 15 students but could have upwards of 20 to 30 kids attend.

The classes always have a good response from the attendees, according to Cook, especially because they get the chance to visit Oak Mountain State Park to learn about the animals.

The class is free with park admission. For more information, visit Facebook.com/events/162428644106968.