Oh Deer! Where Does the Wildlife Go When It Snows in Indiana?

It's not uncommon to run across a deer in southern Indiana during the winter, but where do they go during a snowstorm?

I live right next to a cornfield, so I get my fair share of deer sightings throughout the winter. Some are certainly more tranquil than others, as they tend to have an unwavering desire to cross the road at night when I'm coming home from the studio. Thankfully, I’ve never struck one (knock on wood). That said, during Winter Storm Blair, deer sightings around my home were much less frequent than usual. It got me thinking: where do these creatures hide out during rough weather?

Where Do Deer Go When It Snows?

According to the Lloyd Center for the Environment, deer are warm-blooded animals and need to maintain their body temperature in order to survive. During the winter months, deer use their fur to insulate themselves from the cold. In fact, the outer layer of their fur is made up of long, hollow hairs that trap heat, while the undercoat consists of shorter, denser hairs that provide additional insulation. How cool is that? Additionally, deer have a thick layer of fat under their skin that helps keep them warm.

When it comes to where deer actually hide out during times of trouble, the Lloyd Center for the Environment notes that the animals are somewhat choosy. Depending on the situation, deer will seek shelter from the cold and wind in thickets or under evergreen trees. If there is snow on the ground, they will look for areas where the snow is not as deep. They even have ways of finding and preserving food while doing so.

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How Do Deer Find Food in the Winter?

As majestic as deer antlers look, they actually serve a practical purpose. Deer use their antlers to brush away snow from their food sources, which include various plants and twigs. In the case of my backyard, I sometimes see them digging through the fields for leftover kernels of corn. Deer are pretty amazing animals, but rest assured, when it comes to winter, they know what they're doing.