Will Deer Drown in the Mississippi Floods?

Short answer no, at least not in big numbers.

Here’s what Dr. Grant Woods, one of the top deer scientists in the world, told me exclusively the last time I asked him about the effects of devastating spring floods on the herds:

Pregnant does simply move out of the flood zone, so no worries. The primary concern is for dropped fawns too young to move to higher ground as the water rises. But fawn survival in flood plains is typically very high, even during flood years.

To cause any significant problem, the water levels would have to rise very rapidly and be timed when the peak of fawn births occur, and before the fawns are mobile. This is a relatively narrow window of time. Rivers rarely rise that quickly, and most does are excellent mothers. Another concern is where the flood plain is the preferred fawning cover. When does are forced to fawn in adjoining croplands where there isn’t as much cover, predation increases. But overall, I’m not worried about the fawns and the herds in the flood areas.--Grant

So good news, most of the deer will make it fine. 

Any bloggers live in or near the flood-impacted areas? Tell us how you're doing and what you're seeing. comment