Ice and snow have covered the ground in western Kansas for more than a month in some places, and there have been some concerns for wildlife.

However, mortality in deer and antelope due to winter weather is not generally a factor, even when the weather is considered severe by human standards.

In fact, deer have become a nuisance in the snow-covered areas.

“We’ve received complaints about deer damaging hay stacks and feed bales,” Wildlife and Parks official Steve Price said.

Wildlife and Parks officials have been delivering Zon guns throughout the region and are working with landowners on other options to discourage further losses.

Zon guns are portable propane cannons that emit loud noises periodically that scare deer away.

Price said the problems were most severe a couple of weeks ago

As snow has receded in much of the region, deer are beginning to scatter in some areas, finding waste grain and natural food.

Smaller wildlife may have a more difficult time during extended snow cover. There have been reports of dead pheasants.

“Deer and pronghorn antelope are adapted to survive on the Great Plains,” state agency biologist Lloyd Fox said. “They are ruminants and can consume relatively low quality forage and generate the energy they need to survive cold weather.”

Deer and pronghorn are mobile. Pronghorn congregate in large herds and drift across the high plains when a blizzard occurs. They move until they find an area where their chances of survival are better.

Deer, however, know where to find the best winter forage and thermal protection. Deer often have winter home ranges that are miles from their summer range.

“Both of these species have physical adaptations that help them survive storms,” Fox said. “First, their thick winter coats have hollow hairs. Also, they have the ability to adjust the blood flow to their extremities and allow those areas to cool while conserving heat in their core.”

State agency biologists do not consider any kind of artificial feeding program for deer and antelope necessary, but they will continue to assist landowners who experience damage.