Article and images by Jen Howard
Approximate read time: 3 minutes
Winter is full on upon us out there. We are experiencing extreme weather conditions, road conditions, etc, but wait, what about wildlife. Realizing they are wild, and have special diets that change with the seasons and the weather, there are some things of which we should be aware.
Deer do not eat apples in winter, they go for high fibre wood browse, twigs and buds, and will eat from cedar or maple trees. White cedar is also a high energy food in their diet. They will dig for ferns, dried leaves and even acorns through the snow.
Having things like corn and grains or apples for example can actually cause major, even fatal, digestive upsets (acidosis). In fact, feeding apples, which are high in sugar, can kill them in a matter of days. They can look full but actually die of starvation from being fed the wrong food. They have a very specialized ruminant digestive system.
Wild rabbits are the same, with specialized diets due to their specialized digestive system. Living on brush, twigs, buds; high fibre forage. A rabbit’s gut in winter is designed for low moisture, high fibre. Digestion is slow and steady to keep their systems going when food is scarce. Feeding wrong, moist foods can ferment quickly causing a condition called GI Stasis. This is extremely painful and as a rabbit can not vomit or burp to relieve the buildup of gas, they can actually die within a few days. So, leaving your leaves, twigs, acorns and branches for example will help these animals survive the winter naturally and safely on their own.
Opossums do not hibernate, but rummage around for carrion, roadkill, left over fruits, small mammals/rodents and even dormant insects. They also benefit from eating high protein foods such as eggs, dried cat food and nuts, so often are seen at feral cat stations etc. On mild winter days (anything over 0c or 32f), ticks can become active, and they are one of opossums absolute favourite foods. They are such a great animal to have around. If you see one in distress however, frostbitten tails, ears or toes, or just small, please secure them, keep them warm and call us immediately so we can care for them and get them better. No food or water please. Just warmth and quiet.
For all wildlife a water source is most important during the winter months. A heated birdbath is a great way to supply that, keeping it on or near the ground so all can reach it. And here is a big one; NEVER use rodenticides, ever. The whole food chain can in time be wiped out by these poisons. Predators who eat poisoned prey can get sick with mange from a weakened immune system caused by eating these poisoned food sources. This can eventually lead to death.
One last thing. Owls. Yes, we have visitors again arriving from the north to look for good food sources. They need to conserve their energy to hunt. They need to be left alone.
If you are lucky enough to see one, grab a photo by all means as long as you are at a good distance, 100% respecting the owl’s space. Don’t stay long and don’t go back day after day. And don’t crowd them, harass or chase from pole to pole. Never share locations. Yes, this happens and it can lead to a very sad outcome for the owl; often death. So never post a location, ever. Respect. Protect. Let them be. Keep them safe.
Jen Howard
Read more: Winter and Wildlife