Hemlocks, spruces, and firs, critical winter cover for these mammals, came through the storm relatively unscathed. Songbirds, which rely on seeds and buds for winter food, likely had difficulty chiseling through the ice-encased branches during and after the storm. Look for more bird activity at backyard feeders while the ice remains. Small mammals, such as mice and voles, spend much of the winter tunneling beneath the snow, out of reach of their predators - coyotes, foxes, weasels, hawks, and owls. These predators may find their prey out of reach beneath the crusty snow unless an unfortunate mouse or vole ventures to the surface.
Bobcats can move about easily on crusty snow, while deep fluffy snow hurts their hunting abilities.
Wild turkeys, able to travel long distances, should find something to eat. The most noticeable impact on wildlife and their habitats will likely be the sudden creation of lots of dead, dying and downed wood. The fallen and damaged hardwoods allow more light to reach the forest floor. Over the next few years, wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and tree seedlings will emerge in these sunlit openings. In spring many wildlife species will be drawn to these openings in search of fresh green growth and juicy berries.