Each winter, the Division of Fish and Wildlife receives numerous inquiries regarding the feeding of deer and other wildlife. Although everyone wants to help wild animals through the seemingly difficult time of year, New Jerseyans should be reminded that deer are wild animals and have adapted to cope to the sometimes harsh winter weather, including deep snow, cold temperatures and high winds.
Deer adapt physiologically as well as behaviorally to the changes of season.
In the fall, subcutaneous fat is deposited, and the reddish summer coat is molted for a highly-insulative winter coat. The metabolism of the deer usually decreases during the colder months. To conserve energy, deer limit their feeding to the warmer daylight hours and in general, become less active, particularly during periods of bad weather. Deer may remain bedded down for long periods of time in areas of dense cover without harmful effects. The Division of Fish and Wildlife strongly encourages New Jerseyans to avoid feeding wildlife during the winter period and throughout the year.