How do deer stay alive in sub-zero blizzards?

Deer are ruminants. They harbor microbes in their gut to aid digestion by fermenting the plant material they have eaten. Heat is generated by this metabolism. read more

However, deer hunters must recognize and learn to appreciate how various weather elements can affect deer behavior in the winter. The weather can change travel habits, feeding rituals, yarding practices and bedding area choices, and it can completely alter deer’s normal activity schedules. read more

While deer movement comes to a near standstill during cold snaps, where they are spending their time does change. A general rule for finding deer during the winter is to simply follow the sun. This means that South facing slopes, predominantly those facing Southeast will receive the most deer activity. read more

Deer also change coat color in the winter, going from orangey brown in summer to a grayish brown in the winter, to hide with the trees and dormant plants. Deer will eat snow for water in the winter, and can survive eating bark and some wintergreen bushes. read more