Winter Wildlife Concerns? Think Habitat

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Winter Wildlife Concerns? Think Habitat
Another North Dakota tough winter provides a prime example of how important habitat is to wintering wildlife.

Kevin Kading, private land section leader for the state Game and Fish Department, said wildlife depends on quality winter habitat to survive, especially in times like this when North Dakota is in the midst of a third consecutive severe winter. “Grasslands, wetlands and other habitats for nesting, breeding or raising their young are equally important for wildlife during other times of their life cycle, but the most important factor for wildlife in severe winters is thermal cover,” Kading said.

The Game and Fish Department has funding and programs available for private landowners interested in enhancing or developing habitat or wildlife food plots on their land. Kading said private land biologists will work with landowners to develop habitat and find programs that fit the landowner’s specific needs.

Thermal cover consists of dense thickets of shrubs or multi-row tree and shrub plantings with essential zones, such as a north and west prevailing wind barrier, a snow trap or open area that allows snow to drop in, an interior loafing or wintering area and backside protection on the south and east sides. Sizes, shapes and configurations of these habitat blocks depend upon the landscape and contour of the land, suitable soils and sites that provide the best opportunity for survival. Large, dense stands of cattail wetlands can also provide winter cover, but even those can fill in with snow in severe winters.

“When developing winter habitat, landowners should also consider having food plots available nearby,” Kading said. “Food plots need to be close to winter habitat so animals have adequate cover and protection from exposure.”

Landowners interested in developing winter habitat should visit the department’s website at gf.nd.gov, or contact a private lands biologist at a regional Game and Fish office in Williston (774-4320), Dickinson (227-7431), Riverdale (654-7475), Devils Lake (662-3617), Jamestown (253-6480), Harvey (324-2211) or Bismarck (328-6300).