Though it may seem like it will be hard for animals to find food over winter, the public is being warned that feeding animals, even when done with good intentions, may cause more harm than good.
Many parts of Saskatchewan have already seen nasty weather this winter, and it’s expected to return, said a release from the Ministry of Environment. Saskatchewan residents are fighting against extreme cold, high wind chill values and snow storms, and severe winters like this one often cause people to be concerned about the welfare of the province’s wildlife, including the white-tailed deer population.
The Ministry of Environment has received several calls from individuals wanting to feed deer in the area. The Ministry has warned that these well-intended actions can be detrimental to deer populations.
Biological adaptations, such as a thick winter coat, fat reserves, a reduced metabolic rate and sedentary behaviour help deer survive severe winters. Deer mainly rely on their fat reserves and lose weight over winter. Winter-related starvation can occur but trying to save deer through supplemental feeding can end up causing them more harm than good.
Deer are ruminants and they have stomachs with four parts. They rely on microbes to help digest the woody vegetation that makes up much of their winter diet. Food such as hay is not part of a deer’s normal winter diet, which means that the deer cannot digest it and may end up starving to death, even with a full stomach.
Carbohydrate-rich food sources, such as grains provided as emergency dietary supplements, can also be fatal.
Supplemental winter feeding can also result in other negative consequences. Animals may congregate at a place where food was provided, and may come from long distances and away from winter cover, leading to attacks from predators and diseases.
Research has shown that deer usually fast for several weeks in the winter without suffering any harmful effects.
Deer tend to migrate to wintering areas with thick overhead cover and natural winter food sources. Saskatchewan residents who wish to support deer populations are recommended to ensure that larger blocks of tree cover, such as aspen bluffs, remain intact. These areas provide the cover and sufficient food for deer to survive the winter.
Those who wish for more information may contact a local Ministry of Environment field office.
