Merry, Jingle, Deer
Updated: Feb 23, 2022
Merry, Jingle, Deer! Winter is upon us as the cold days become even colder, the views become even prettier, and wildlife become even stronger as they endure the long winter months.
Wondering how deer survive the winter months?
There are many different ways that deer adapt to the cold days and months. According to Chris Whittier, an assistant professor in conservation medicine, "deer gradually trade their summer hair coat for a winter one, which consists of thicker, longer, and darker hairs called guard hairs." Deer are prepared in the winter through this much "thicker undercoat."
It is also important to note that deer become "less active, sometimes dropping their metabolism by half, which allows them to save energy and eat less." In other words, deer "hunker down" in these cold winter months!
Sometimes I find myself hunkering down in the winter too...
Just kidding....Too busy taking on a new adventure!
Putting all jokes aside, you can find deer taking shelter in what is known as "deer yards" such as, "coniferous trees that maintain their needles during the winter and allow snow to build up, both of which help provide some wind resistance and possibly cover." These trees allow deer to lay low and save their energy.
Lastly, deer "survive the winter by eating their usual diet of twigs, stems, grasses, and other plants wherever they typically would find them." As mentioned before, deer eat a lot less in the cold winter months, so they don't need much!
These are some of the ways that deer survive the cold winter months. Stay tuned for how I spend my time during the winter months!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....Many Blessings to you & your family!
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