Pros & cons/lacking snow?

[Lee Borgersen]

                              Pros and cons of the lack of snow.

Q. What are the pros and cons of the lack of snow that we've had in the Red River region so far this winter?

A. As Doug Leier, an outreach biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, says  this winter to date has been "wildlife friendly," on balance.


The lack of snow is beneficial to many wildlife species. Deer, for example, are having an easier time getting around than they would if 3 feet of snow covered the ground. They also have better access to food and are less susceptible to predators.

Pheasants also do better in winters with little snow. Unlike native birds such as sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants don't burrow into the snow to escape the cold. The limiting factor, of course, is habitat, and even winters without an abundance of snow can take a toll on pheasants if the birds don't have adequate cover.

Wild turkeys can withstand cold temperatures as long as they have access to food. These big birds find most of their food on the ground, and winters with heavy snow tend to limit their access to food sources.

The lack of snow is less favorable to species such as ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse, both of which burrow into the snow for warmth and to avoid predators. Without enough snow for snow roosts, the birds have to seek cover in places where they can be easier to detect.

While less obvious, perhaps, winters with less snow tend to be better for fish, especially in shallow lakes that are susceptible to winterkill. When deep snow covers the ice, it blocks sunlight penetration, in turn limiting the ability of underwater plants to produce oxygen. Eventually, oxygen levels can decline to the point where they trigger fish-kill events.

For ice fishing enthusiasts, winters with less snow tend to have thicker ice if cold temperatures persist.

Lack of snow also is a detriment to snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.


WHAT'S YOUR PROS AND CONS ON THIS TOPIC?????