News release

Deer and Deep Snow Conditions

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Deep snow this winter is causing some problems for deer in Nova Scotia.

It is not unusual for snow to cover the ground and low vegetation at this time of year, forcing deer to change their diet almost entirely to feeding on the buds and twigs of high shrubs and the lower branches of larger trees. However, this winter the snow has become so deep that deer are having problems moving about and finding what natural foods are available.

"For deer, severity of winter is primarily a matter of the depth of snow and how long it lasts," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage.

Deer have developed a number of adaptations for dealing with winter weather. They have a thick coat of hollow hair and build fat reserves during the summer and fall as an energy supply to be used in winter when food is scarce. They also yard, or gather in groups, in areas where snow is not deep and they are able to escape from the wind. As well, regardless of winter severity and the amount of food available, their metabolism and activity slows down during January and February as a means of coping with predictable harsh conditions.

"From biological information turned in by hunters last fall, we know the herd entered winter in excellent condition, so they should be able to withstand a tough winter," said Mr. Fage. "However, it is still early in the year and they have already been faced with several weeks of deep snow."

Every year, some deer do not make it to spring as a result of starvation. The first to be affected are usually fawns, yearlings, the sick and the old. This year, the number could be much higher if there is no relief from the snow conditions.

"Another consequence of a very severe winter is that fawns born to weaker does will have a lower survival rate," said the minister.

Department of Natural Resources offices throughout the province are getting many calls from the public on this matter. People are concerned and many are asking what, if anything, they can do to feed deer.

"We generally discourage people from providing artificial feed to deer," said Mr. Fage. "Feeding deer properly is a difficult and expensive task. Often, well-meaning people who are trying to help the deer actually cause more harm than good."

Most people who want to feed deer would like to do it in their backyards. However, there are often problems with attracting deer near residences. Dogs may become a problem by chasing deer and the deer themselves can become a problem when they feed on orchard trees or ornamental shrubs. They can also become a traffic hazard as they travel to and from the feeding site.

In addition, if the wrong type of feed is offered or too much is given initially, deer can have difficulty digesting it and actually die of starvation, but with a full stomach.

"A sudden change in diet can actually kill a deer," warns Mr. Fage. "Feeding deer properly during a deep-snow winter can be of benefit to the animals, however, it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly."

Those contemplating feeding deer should first contact their local Department of Natural Resources office for information on what, when, where and how to properly feed deer. Information is also available on the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/conserva/index .