Between the winter solstice and spring equinox, Charlee retreats from her watery home in Northern lakes and streams and takes refuge from the frozen winter in dark, deep caves.

Some physical changes happen: dense hair growth that resembles an overgrown lion's mane, a more heavy bear like physique, powerful, shovel like claws, all aid in her temporary cave dwelling lifestyle, until the temperature rises, and it is once again tike to shed her coat and return to her normal, semi-aquatic form.