Written by Bronwyn Earthman, Naturalist, Kroening Nature Center
As you’ve strolled through the park, maybe you’ve come across hoof prints in the snow, or little piles of dark brown scat, and perhaps you’ve wondered: where are these large mammals that are leaving all this evidence behind? White-tailed deer are active in parks throughout the city all year round and can sometimes be tricky to spot, but with more information about their adaptations and behavior, they can be a little easier to track down.
During fall, deer transition from their light brown-rust colored summer coats to their thick winter coats, which are generally a darker brownish gray in color. The coat is composed of a softer layer of fur, with thicker guard hairs on top to help protect the undercoat from the elements. Each hair is hollow, containing many air pockets, which allow them to trap heat and insulate themselves in the cold. This thick coat of fur not only keeps them warm all winter long but helps them camouflage with their surroundings. White-tailed deer are named for the fluffy white underside of their tail that they lift up when spooked by a potential predator. This flash of white might sometimes be all you see of them as they bound off into the woods.
This time of year, food sources are becoming scarce for deer. During the fall, they rely on nuts such as acorns, berries and remaining leafy browse, but after temperatures drop to freezing, nuts and berries begin to rot and become less desirable. Deer will continue to browse on the buds, twigs and bark of trees and shrubs throughout the winter, and will also sometimes nibble on dried grasses that they find beneath the snow. They also rely heavily on fat stored from earlier fall foraging to burn and get them through the winter.
A good strategy for deer spotting is to explore the park on “deer time”! Deer are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. Their eyes are adapted to see best in low light, so they feel most comfortable moving around right before sunrise and after sunset. They do most of their feeding during these times, browsing as much as possible under the cover of low morning and evening light. However, as temps drop, deer may start to be more active midday when temperatures are warmer, so keep an eye out midday as well on those extra cold December and January days!
Come out to North Mississippi Regional Park for a morning or evening walk this December to see if you can spot some deer for yourself and join us for a program at the Nature Center to learn more about the wildlife of the park! (Visit minneapolisparks.org/nature for details and registration.)
Nature Art: Holiday Nature Wrapping Paper and Crafts · Friday, December 6, 6:30-8 p.m. | Free | Ages 18+ | activity #5032. Make nature inspired gift-wrapping paper with hand stamps and make nature inspired ornaments. This program is designed for adults with disabilities in partnership with Minneapolis Community Educations ACCESS Program.
Nature Tots: Oh Deer· Saturday, December 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Free | Ages 2-6 with an adult | activity #9940. In the woods, the deer are waiting, with watchful eyes and perked ears. Hike the park to look for nibbled plants, antler rubs, scat and footprints left behind. Find out how our local deer are getting ready for the cold winter ahead. This is an adult/child interactive program.
Homeschool Day: Coyote Cuisine · Thursday December 12, 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Free for residents | Ages 5-11 | activity # 9957. Learn about the differences between the herbivores, omnivores and carnivores of the park by examining their skulls, then go on a hike to look for signs of animals that are prey for coyotes and play a game to visualize how predators affect food chain dynamics.
Family Funday: Outrageous Owls · Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon | Free | All Ages | activity #9953. Learn about these mysterious nocturnal birds of prey that call the forest home. Explore the adaptations that make them skilled and stealthy hunters, how they communicate, and practice some of their calls. Make an owl mask to take home.
Nature Art: Framed With Nature · Saturday, December 21, 1:30- 2:30 p.m. | Free | All Ages | activity #9822. Take a walk around the park to find sticks, stones, and other interesting objects. Bring back your treasures and craft or decorate a picture frame.
Winter Solstice Celebration · Saturday, December 21, 6-9 p.m. | Free | All Ages | activity #5055. Rejoice the coming of longer days with an evening of celestial fun. Take a nature walk along a glowing luminary trail, then make your own luminary to bring home. Play winter themed games and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire.