Answer:

Deer are able to withstand a considerable amount of cold, wind and snow. The real problem is long periods of deep fluffier snow. In the winter of 2000-2001 (which was recorded as the most severe winter for 30 years according to environment Canada) snow that fell in late November remained the whole winter. We had very deep snow and deer were unable to stay on top of it because we never had the usual winter thaws/rains that settle the snow and compact it so that deer do not sink so deep. Deep snow covers much of their high quality snow theat is within 2 - 3 ft of the ground and makes travel very difficult to the point that they put out more energy to travel to and from feeding areas than what they gain by feeding there.

This year will be considered low severity for deer because we didn't get any significant amount of snow until mid January, haven't had a lot of snow overall (to date) and have had a few rains that settled the snow considerably.

The situation now however is that we have a thick ice crust that deer will break through. It may be strong enough for coyotes to stay on top of. Usually these conditions don't last long.

For your information.
TN

Regards,
Tony
______________________
Anthony (Tony) L. Nette
Manager, Wildlife Resources
Wildlife Division
136 Exhibition Street,
Kentville, Nova Scotia
Canada
B4N 4E5