While Bucks and Montgomery County residents have been stymied by severe weather conditions, another inhabitant of the area is okay with the snow, ice, and subzero wind-chill temperatures. “While the region hasn’t seen this much snow in several years, wildlife is adapted to handle these winter co nditions,” said Josh Zimmerman, spokesman, Pennsylvania Game Commission. “For some species, snow helps their survival in winter by providing a different level of habitat and/or better camouflage.” The hunt for food is also affected. “Wildlife may move around more to find food during this time,” he said. “Deer in particular may start eating plants that they otherwise have not touched other times of the year. Landscaping plants that usually are not palatable for deer may be eaten if nothing else can be found. This is a standard response during the wintertime, regardless of the snow, as food becomes less available the deeper the winter gets.” Zimmerman said that even with the reduction in food across the area, residents should “refrain from supplementally feeding wildlife.” “They are adapted to long, cold winters when food supplies are low,” he said. “Any surge in unnatural food can cause health issues and, in some cases, cause death.” Deer not used to eating a farmer’s corn field can get rumen acidosis from a sudden change in diet from woody stems to corn piles, according to the spokesman. The metabolic disorder in animals is caused by excessive consumption of carbohydrates, and can cause lethargy, indigestion, and sometimes result in death. Though the snow and extremely cold temperatures of late might have deer and other wildlife foraging more for food, there haven’t been any related problems. Said Zimmerman: “So far, Bucks and Montgomery counties have not seen any noticeable increase in calls for sick or injured wildlife related to the snow event.” His advice for residents? “Expect to see wildlife a bit more during this time as they move to find food in the snow. As usual during the wintertime, pay attention while driving (especially at night) and watch for wildlife on the roads.” ...read more read less