Heads Up: Heavy Snowfall Poses Threat to Deer Population
Heavy snowfall has blanketed southern Norway, bringing with it concerns for the region’s deer population. Experts warn that the harsh conditions could lead to an increase in animal-related road incidents.
Stress-Free Coexistence
In the previous week, heavy snowfall in mid-Norway led to reports of deer and reindeer struggling to move through the deep snow. Authorities urged the public to keep their distance and avoid stressing the animals.
Now, it’s southern Norway’s turn to don its white winter coat, with snow providing the perfect powder for deer to traverse the mountainous terrain.
NIPH Sounds Alarm
Norsk institutt for naturforsking (NINA) isConcerned about the welfare of moose, red deer, and reindeer. The snow makes it challenging for these animals to forage for food, pushing them to explores alternative paths like roads and railways.
Image: Senior researcher Erling Johan Solberg, NINA
Senior researcher Erling Johan Solberg at NINA explains, "Moose and red deer are moving down from the hills into valleys in search of food. They also find it easier to navigate broken roads and railway lines than to bash through deep snow."
Unsurprisingly, NINA expects a rise in wildlife-vehicle collisions as the snow continues to accumulate.
Snowy Conditions Bring Dangers
The past few days have seen heavy snowfall, with forecasts predicting a reduction by Tuesday evening. However, the combination of light snowfall and deep snowpack poses a significant risk.
"Deer tend to stay put during heavy snowfall, but once it stops, they start searching for food," says Solberg.
Changing Behavior
Usually, deer avoid humans, but harsh conditions and hunger can alter their behavior. Solberg cautions, "Food is scarce, and moving around takes more energy. This makes them less likely to shy away from people and traffic."
With improving weather, more people will venture outdoors. Solberg advises hikers to maintain a safe distance from deer to avoid stressing the animals and waste their energy unnecessarily.
Reindeer, in particular, are vulnerable. Their small size makes navigating deep snow extraordinarily difficult. Moreover, they can become easy prey for dogs. Solberg suggests keeping dogs on a leash and reconsidering the wisdom of letting them roam free in the forest.
Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions: A Costly Affair
Each year, more than 16,000 deer are involved in vehicle collisions in Norway. The cost of repairs can quickly add up, with damage from hitting a red deer potentially reaching around 80,000 NOK. Collisions with moose can be even more catastrophic, with front-end and roof damage easily pushing repair bills into the hundreds of thousands.
Infographic: Wildlife-vehicle collisions in Norway
What to Do in Case of Wildlife-Vehicle Collision
- Put on a reflective vest and secure the accident scene.
- It’s not illegal to hit an animal, but failing to report the incident is.
- Call the police on 02800. They will alert the wildlife authorities and other relevant parties.
- In case of personal injury, call 113.
- Mark the spot where you think the animal disappeared using a visible item from your car.
- You can also take a screenshot of your location using your phone and send it to the wildlife authorities.
- Do not follow injured wildlife. They may attack, and your tracks could hinder search dogs.
- Do not attempt to kill larger animals. The decision to euthanize is up to the wildlife authorities or police.
Article Last Updated
07.01.2025, kl. 22.02
