SNAPPED: Wildlife moves to lower elevations to avoid deep snow

JACKSON, Wyo. — With new snowfall blanketing the valley, Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer captured animals navigating the deeper and heavier snow.

Deepening snow means that wildlife have to move to lower elevations and often into more developed places, increasing the likelihood of wildlife-vehicle collisions and other conflicts.

Moose use their long legs to walk through deep snow. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail Credit: Nicholas Sulzer

Animals also have to be creative with finding enough fuel to make it through the cold months. Big game animals, such as deer, elk and moose, have micro-organisms in their stomachs that aid in digesting vegetation, primarily woody plants during the winter, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD).

In the heart of winter, moose eat pencil-size twigs and small branches. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

Coyotes and fox use their paws to dig in the snow to find voles and mice.

Foxes remain active all winter, using their keen senses to hunt for prey beneath the snow’s surface. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

Coyotes regulate the number of rodents and mesocarnivores (such as skunks, raccoons, and foxes) in winter time. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

WGFD stated on their website that Wyoming residents are fortunate to live in such close proximity to wildlife, but along with that comes the responsibility of learning how to properly coexist with them. Part of this responsibility includes resisting the urge to “help” wildlife through the winter by feeding them.

Mule deer move into town in the winter. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

“Like cows, deer are ruminants whose gut microbes gradually adapt to different food sources over the seasons,” the agency said. “A mismatch of meals can lead to a high production of lactic acid, which kills healthy bacteria and causes inflammation and ulcers that do not allow the stomach to absorb nutrients.”

Wyoming Game and Fish officials ask residents to be aware and show patience with wildlife that often shows up in developed areas. The WGFD offered tips to reduce conflicts with and stress on wildlife this winter:

Be especially watchful during times of low light.
Look for tracks or other signs of wildlife on trails, pathways or around houses.
Never crowd an animal or surround it.
Always allow an animal an escape route.
Always control pets while walking them and make sure there are no wildlife around before letting animals out of the house.
Consider carrying bear spray as a defense.
View and photograph animals from a distance.
Do not feed wildlife.

Residents are to respect wildlife closures during winter months. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

The WGFD reminds people that Wildlife Habitat Management Areas in the Jackson and Pinedale regions are closed to human presence Dec.1 through April 30.