An Unusual Winter

epa02028038 (FILE) A file picture dated 29 January 2010 polar bear Knut rolling around in the snow at the zoo in Berlin, Germany. This winter much of Europe and North America have experienced above average snowfall. Media reported that blizzards hit cities in the north-eastern US, as government offices had been forced to close for three day. With snow levels in Washington DC accumulating up to 3 foot (91.4 centimetres) schools and airports were forced to close. Unusually heavy winters often capture the imagination and locals have dubbed the storm ‘Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse and Snowzilla,’ no doubt with just a hint of the kind of humor needed to see them through this white-out. At the beginning of January, Britain experienced the longest cold snap for 30 years with as much as 40 centimetres of snow falling in London. The Met Office issued warnings about ‘exceptionally heavy’ snowfall. Whilst some countries are better prepared and equipped than others at dealing with the snow, people and indeed animals generally find a way to make the most of it and enjoy the ‘winter wonderland’ as long as it lasts. EPA/ALINA NOVOPASHINA