Snow of Tomorrow | Out and about in the wildlife habitat

No problem in principle, there is enough space for everyone. However, it is imperative that we heed the rules of "hospitality" and show a certain amount of consideration for the needs of our animal roommates, especially in winter, when conditions can be life-threatening for animals.

But why exactly do we need to pay special attention to wild animals during the cold season? Why do we set up voluntary wildlife quiet zones and officially prescribed restricted areas? Why should we avoid ridges and blown-off wind edges? Because winter is the most difficult time of the year for animals in the wild. Their entire annual cycle and various sophisticated strategies are adapted to this critical time - they have to survive. Some put on a thick winter coat or plumage, others go into torpor or hibernate. But for all of them, this means saving energy wherever possible. In particular, however, this means that energy-sapping flight is bad! A brief foray into the biology and physiology of our habitat partners may help us understand some of the recommendations.

The mountain forest is home to red deer, i.e. deer, cows and calves. These animals are very polarizing, because on the one hand they are fed, i.e. cared for, and on the other hand they are shot. So why should we show consideration for hunting trophies? The accusation often arises that this is only about the self-interest of hunting.

Originally, red deer were typical inhabitants of floodplains. However, our settlement and construction activities have driven this game species from the valleys into the mountain forests. With certain adaptation strategies, it can now cope with the sometimes inhospitable conditions there. In winter, it relies on the motto "No wrong move!".

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In general, animals need much more energy in winter than usual due to the cold, as they have to constantly regulate their heat balance and also to move forward in snow that is sometimes several meters deep. However, this energy in the form of food is snowed in and therefore not available. So other strategies are needed. Red deer (like many other animals) therefore switch to complete energy-saving mode. The animals spend eight to nine hours a day resting. During this time, they temporarily reduce their heart rate by around half (to less than 30 beats per minute), as well as the temperature in the peripheral areas of the body (from 35 degrees to around 15 degrees). This reduced metabolism saves up to 40% energy. Incidentally, the Capricorn does the same. During this time, every step is too much. If the red deer are startled during this time, for example by winter sports enthusiasts, this disturbance can become really critical and, unfortunately, life-threatening if repeated. The animals have to get their functions back to "full operation" within a very short time, consuming an incredible amount of energy and substance in the process.

In winter, the movement radius of red deer is limited to the stand area and the feeding area, which are in close proximity to each other, sometimes only a few hundred meters. In Austria, unlike in other countries, red deer are required by law to be fed during the winter emergency period! Naturally, the animals gratefully accept this offer if they can find peace and quiet there. It is crucial for the game that there are retreat areas in their habitat with little disturbance.

This is why we appeal:

Avoid feeding areas, avoid noise, only observe wild animals from a distance and do not follow animal tracks.
Observe information boards, guidance concepts, signs and markings in the area.
Avoid spending time at dusk. This is the time for wild animals to feed and rest.
Avoid hiking at night. Wild animals also need undisturbed times.

The grouse form a small but very sensitive group. This term covers all chicken birds whose legs are feathered up to the toes as protection against the cold - an ingenious adaptation to the icy mountain winters! These include the capercaillie, the black grouse, the rock ptarmigan and the lesser hazel grouse. The ptarmigan's feathers are so pronounced in winter that they can move over deep snow as if on snowshoes.

The grouse are a highly endangered group in Central Europe, for which the Alpine arc still represents an important refuge. Their habitat requirements are very high - so they need very special conditions - and they are also very sensitive to disturbance. If they are disturbed too often, they leave the area altogether. If no suitable areas are available, the population declines.

In contrast to red deer and ptarmigan, in this case humans may be more likely to flee than the animal.

LH

These birds do not hibernate like the marmot or the bear, but with the exception of the hazel grouse, they survive the cold season in snow caves they have dug themselves. These are usually located near bushes and dwarf shrubs. And it is precisely such places that should be avoided at all costs. Snow grouse or black grouse are almost certainly perched under the loose snow in their vicinity and also try to keep their energy levels to a minimum. With a few shoots and needles, there is not much in the way of plant food, and leaving their burrow is likely to cost them some effort. The microclimate they create is so optimal that the inside temperature can be several orders of magnitude warmer than the outside temperature. In severe frost, the animals spend more than 20 hours in the cave. Nevertheless, they leave the cozy den mainly in the morning and evening hours in search of food. Frequent startling while foraging or even out of the cave can impair the reproductive success of these species, which can only store up very few energy reserves, in the following spring or, in the worst case, mean death.

Grid and ridge are the habitat of ptarmigan, chamois and ibex; only stay there after sunrise, especially in high winter, and avoid staying there after sunset.
The tree line is the habitat of the black grouse. Cross it in a direct line and keep as much distance as possible from groups of trees and individual trees.
Capercaillie and red deer live in the forest. Therefore, choose your ascents and descents via the usual or marked ski routes.

Gamoises may not have such sophisticated strategies as some other animals, but they are also forced to carefully manage their energy reserves in winter. With chamois, the speed of approach is decisive for the length and intensity of the escape distance. Chamois also react much more sensitively to off-road activities than to those on roads, paths, routes or cross-country ski trails. Chamois react particularly sensitively to noise and dogs, with long, exhausting flight distances.

Therefore, keep your dog on a lead and avoid unnecessary noise on tour.

As winter sports enthusiasts, we are guests in the home of wild animals. We should be aware that we are not equally welcome everywhere and at all times. With respectful behavior, we can avoid animal suffering and contribute to conservation. But we can still have fun and enjoy the winter landscape.