Mother nature can be unforgiving at times, and this winter is no exception. With over 50 inches of snowfall this winter, many animals were forced to exhaust all available food sources. The hard crust atop the snowpack makes travel ideal for smaller animals like the eastern coyote, giving them a significant advantage over their prey. Unfortunately for species like the white-tailed deer, these conditions make travel extremely difficult and in return become they vulnerable to depredation. This adult doe was found by BRF staff on a winter tracking effort during late February, when deer are most vulnerable to winter die-off. Coyotes made quick work of this deer, leaving behind a clean skeleton within days of discovery. Coyotes may also scent mark their feeding sites for others, as seen in the photo.
Photo by Jackie Skrzynski
By Aaron Culotta