Do not disturb: Deer suffering

wildlife: Hill walkers urged to give the animals a wide berth after harsh winter leaves them weak

People out on the hills are being urged to avoid disturbing deer which have been experiencing “probably the worst conditions for over a decade”, according to gamekeepers.

The species has experienced much higher mortality levels than normal this year as the severe weather has made it hard for them to find food, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association said.

The animals have faced difficulties as their food has been buried for months under deep and drifting snow which has then crusted over with hard frost, leaving vegetation virtually inaccessible.

Gamekeepers said that people out on the hills this weekend are more likely to encounter deer than usual as in poor weather the animals retreat from the high tops to lower ground for shelter and have not yet returned to the tops in many areas as they are too weak.

They are urging people to try to avoid disturbing the animals and ensure that dogs are kept under control.

Lea MacNally, of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, a professional stalker for almost half a century, said: “The food source is there, they just can’t get it due to the length of time there has been full snow cover.

“Every winter there is an expected natural mortality but there has been much higher than normal mortality this year.

“Deer are having to expend a lot of energy scraping down through frosted snow to get to food and, in many areas, snow hasn’t lifted for a long time.

“The deers’ backs have not been dry for months and some calves are barely standing.

“If folk are out and about over Easter, where possible, they should try and give the deer a wide berth so as not to move them out of shelter.

“Disturbance causes deer to move and, if people take care to avoid that, it could make the difference between life and death for weakened animals.

“It would also be prudent for dog walkers to ensure their pets are under close control.”

Picture: Sandy McCook. The animals have faced difficulties as their food has been buried for months under snow and frost.