In order to adapt to long, dark winter months, rats would need to adjust their behavior and physiology. They would need to store additional food reserves and build insulated nests or burrows that protect from cold temperatures and strong winds. They may also need to increase their energy intake by eating more and by conserving their energy more efficiently. Additionally, they may need to adapt their reproduction cycles to the season; delaying reproduction until more suitable conditions arrive. Finally, they may need to develop strategies to avoid longer periods of darkness, such as avoiding the darkest parts of their environment, or following the light of a moon.