What constitutes the backbone of the white-tailed deer's diet during the lean months of winter?
Answer
Browse (twigs, buds, and evergreen leaves)
When cold weather causes herbaceous growth to disappear, deer must rely predominantly on persistent, woody browse, which includes the leaves, buds, and tender twigs of shrubs and trees, as well as evergreen foliage. While this type of food is significantly lower in quality and digestibility compared to summer forage due to its higher fiber content, it remains physically available year-round, forming the essential bulk necessary to sustain the deer through the nutritionally stressful winter period when energy conservation is vital for survival and maintaining body temperature.
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