herd alert

A big snow is great, but it also increases the hazard of striking a critter on the trail, but why?
When an area experiences a heavy snowfall, animals such as deer and moose travel to feeding and bedding areas using snowmobile trails because it's easier for them to move on groomed trails.

The Maine dilemma
This happened all last season in Maine, where snowfalls set records. So much in fact, that the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife officials held a press conference and issued a press release, warning snowmobilers about the unprecedented number of animals on the trails.
Nancy and Bill Higgins of Greenville, Maine, were aware of the problem long before any official word went out.
"As the winter progressed and the snow kept piling up, the animals went deeper into the woods for cover and food. A lot of moose were out," said Bill Higgins. "More moose were using the trails than ever before and they don't want to get out of the way. When the snow is up to their shoulders, they can't move. They get in that deep snow and they are pretty helpless. And, they get their food by nibbling the moose maples along the snowmobile trails."
During a February ride, the Higgins suddenly encountered a young bull moose standing mid-trail. Nancy always carries a camera and was able to get some good photos of the moose - from a safe distance.
"We were lucky that we saw him and didn't hit him," she said. "The moose stayed in the middle of the trail and kept walking before going off to the side and then fell down. He was young and weak. We just took our time and he got up again and walked off the trail. We then passed him, so he wouldn't walk up the ridge and tire himself even more."
Biologists say heavy snows force animals onto the trails where they might not normally wander during a winter with normal or less than average snowfall.
"Deep snow will push deer and moose to an area where the snow is less deep or the consistency is easier for them to travel on," said Lee Kantar, a wildlife biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "Compacted areas may also allow deer or moose to move to areas to find available forage that they may not have been able to get to. Vegetation right alongside a trail may also be available to deer or moose that may have been out of reach in soft, deep snow conditions."
It's against the law to use a motorized vehicle such as a snowmobile or an ATV to intentionally kill, injure or harass wild animals or birds. In Maine that's a Class E misdemeanor and can result in a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail.
"It's always important to drive at a reasonable speed for conditions and give yourself time to slow down and stop if an obstacle, such as a moose or tree is on the path," said Maine Warden Service Col. Joel Wilkinson.
Of course animals on a trail can be dangerous - to snowmobilers as well as to themselves.
"People see animals and every year we have moose that for some reason just really beat up the signs along the snowmobile trails, said Maj. Tim Acerno, a New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer. "One of our officers had to put down a moose with brainworm because it was charging snowmobilers."
Acerno says that trails are designed to stay away from winter deer yards as well.
"The wildlife will use the trails for transportation corridors. Be aware that they are out there and be aware of your surroundings," said Acerno. "I tell people not to shut their machine off. Animals are used to it and they will go back to relaxing. If you stop your machine it increases their stress level. If the animal is on the trail, stop, but keep your sled idling."
It's not just an Eastern problem either. In the West, buffalo, elk and other large animals will take the easiest path to food too. Riders in the Midwest often see deer, wolves and fox along the trails. Depending on where you are in Canada you could see all of the above and northern Ontario has an especially large moose population.
"This past winter the animals didn't have a difficult time," said Nancy Hanson, business coordinator for the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association. But big snows can drive animals onto trails in the Midwest too.
Just remember that big snows are good for snowmobilers, but can lead to more animals on the trail. Be alert!
Cathy Genthner is a freelance writer in Maine and a registered Maine Guide.

Here are a few safety rules when encountering animals on the trail.

• Maintain a safe distance from the animals
• Give moose, deer, elk, buffalo, or whatever large animal you encounter ample space to move off trails.
• If you suddenly encounter an animal - slow down and stop. Do not move toward an animal or corner it and do not turn off your sled.
• Do not approach animals - observe from a distance and enjoy your wildlife meeting.