Snow not only covers much of their food (grasses, forbes, leaves and low shrubs) but their ability to move about becomes severely restricted when their sinking depth in snow reaches about 50 cm. On the contrary, each year a portion of the provincial deer herd will not survive winter, usually due to starvation. That is not to say that winter is not a problem to deer. However, despite these adaptations, adult deer routinely lose up to 20% of body weight during winter, regardless of the amount or quality of food present. Their overall metabolism actually slows down so they require less food - much like turning the thermostat down. As well, when deer are grouped together, many eyes, ears and noses are very effective in detecting predators.ĭeer have also adapted to our northern climate by reducing their activity during January - February. Throughout winter they keep the trails open for easy travel and greater ability to escape predators. Deer develop a network of trails within these yards as they travel to and from feeding. These yards are generally coniferous forests with a closed canopy which breaks the wind and helps intercept snow. Yards are areas that offer the ability to move about easily because of reduced snow levels, while providing shelter and a nearby source of food. Deer also go to 'yards' during the deep snow period of winter. These include a thick winter coat of hollow hair and the storage of fat through summer/fall for use during the winter.
From the warmth of our homes and the daily routine of feeding domestic stock and pets, it is often assumed that we can and should help deer survive the rigors of winter by feeding them.ĭeer have several natural adaptations that help them survive winter. When we experience an especially harsh winter, many people worry about how deer are coping.
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