Let’s Talk About Parks: Deer in Winter

The “Let’s Talk About Parks” series is designed to encourage exploration and discovery of Pittsburgh’s urban parks.

Have you ever wondered how animals that do not hibernate make it through Pittsburgh’s long winters?

One example of an animal well-suited to the cold is the prolific white-tailed deer, which begins storing fat around its internal organs and under its skin as early as late summer. Nutrition-packed seeds and nuts are usually plentiful in the fall, and adding them to their diet helps deer increase this insulating layer of fat. The extra weight also provides a reserve of energy when food is scarce. Read Full Article