(WEAU) - With spring having seemingly arrived, and now with this current wave of snow, what does it mean for the wildlife in our area?
DNR Regional Wildlife Program Manager Kris Belling says they've heard from people concerned about birds that had already made their way to the area. She says any migratory birds that are back should be fine because they'll be able to adapt to the cold weather.
But she says the late snow could be an issue for animals like turkeys and deer. For deer it can make it hard to get to food and can make it easier for the predators to track them.
For the people who want to help out the deer, she says to keep in mind there are regulations about feeding deer and it isn't necessarily going to help. Belling told us "if you suddenly start providing a food source that's not what the deer have been eating previously, it can actually backfire because their digestive system isn't set-up for the new kind of food."
Belling says snow with a crusty top layer like we have because of the wet snow can make it tough on turkeys because they have to forage the ground for food.