Snag (ecology)

A snag is a really special tree that's fallen down or standing up, but it's not alive anymore. It used to be part of a big forest, but now it's on its own. It's like a big hotel for other animals to live in!

Snags are important for lots of animals that live in the forest. They can make homes in the holes and cracks, use it for a place to rest, or even hunt for food on it! Lots of birds make their homes in snags, and animals like squirrels and raccoons can use it as a place to hide from predators.

Even though a snag isn't alive anymore, it still helps the forest stay healthy. As it slowly decays, it provides important nutrients to the soil and helps other plants grow. Sometimes if a snag is too close to a road or building, people might need to remove it for safety reasons, but in a healthy forest, snags are really important to keep around.