Whitetail deer are amongst the most common animals spotted along Minnesota’s North Shore. With a healthy population that thrives in the local environment, the whitetail deer population in Northern Minnesota is healthy and thriving! But, there are some interesting facts about the behavior of these large mammals that many wintertime visitors notice.
Sightings Around and In Lake Superior
If you’ve been to the North Shore in the winter months, you may have noticed something strange about the local whitetail deer. You tend to see many of them along Highway 61. Do you know why?
With the cold temperatures and snowfall accumulating along the North Shore, deer are starting to navigate their way to specific spots to keep warm. Because of its size, Lake Superior influences the local weather. Acting as an air conditioner in the summer and a radiator of warmth during the winter. Because of this, deer are attracted to the shore. They are seen in great numbers there during the winter months!
Another interesting fact about the whitetail deer is that they can swim! They often use this ability to escape from predators. So if you see a deer swimming out into Lake Superior, there may be a wolf nearby.
Sightings Near Highway 61
The other place deer can most likely be found during these cold winter months is somewhat bizarre. Because they are so easily frightened, most think that deer congregating near the busy highway would not happen. But, in fact, it’s one of their favorite spots in the winter and early springtime! In the winter they really enjoy the salt used for snow and ice removal. They will often gather where salt has recently been spread. If you see a deer licking the side of the highway, it’s not unusual behavior! They’re just trying to lick up the salt.
Deer also enjoy gathering on the shoulders and sides of the highway in the early springtime. The snow along the treeline and Highway 61 usually melts first. Revealing grass and other foods that deer love to eat. Starting in mid-March, or whenever the snow starts to melt along Highway 61, deer come out of the woods to enjoy munching on grass again. Keep an eye out, you can often count over 100 deer sightings between Duluth and Grand Marais along Highway 61 in March and April.
Drive Safely!
Because of this, the North Shore sees more deer and car-related accidents than any other time of the year. Also, because of the higher snowbanks along the highway, you may not see a deer bounding out of the woods and leaping over the banks as soon as you would in other seasons. So we recommend you drive with caution. Keep your peripheral trained on the treeline on either side of the highway. Watch for sudden movement.
Also, keep a safe distance of at least 3-4 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. Because of the snow and ice that may be present on the highway, it is recommended that you do not slam on your brakes if you do spot a deer. Instead, be aware that a deer may run across the road at any time and be prepared to come to a slow, controlled stop, if possible. The speed limit on Highway 61 between Two Harbors and the Canadian Border is now 60 in most areas (be aware, there are a few exceptions!) but this is the maximum, not the minimum. If you are seeing a higher number of deer than usual during your trip, you can drive a bit slower in order to keep the road safe for everyone, especially during an active snowfall.
And, remember! Deer usually travel in groups of 2 or more. Often, we see herds of 5 or more in the spring. If you see one deer, expect there to be at least one more nearby. Do not accelerate right away after a deer crossing. Sometimes his friends are still coming along!
Drive safe, be safe, and enjoy the beautiful local deer population in a safe manner.
Fawns in the Springtime
If you are visiting the North Shore in the spring and summer, you will start seeing fawns! One thing to note is that whitetail deer have a unique way of hiding their fawns. First, fawns do not have a scent, so they are harder to be spotted by predators. Because of this, a mother deer will often leave her fawn in tall grass or hidden behind a bush. This is especially common with newborn fawns who are unable to run yet.
If you happen to stumble upon a fawn alone, don’t worry! It likely has not been abandoned and is OK. The mom has placed her baby there to stay safe and will likely return within a couple of hours to care for her baby. Do not touch or move the fawn, this can cause your scent to transfer to the baby and cause the mother to avoid the area thinking there is a predator. It’s best to leave the fawn where it is and watch for moms return from a safe distance.
Occasionally, we receive guest reports that their dog came across a fawn and caused harm to the fawn. When this happens, the mother may not return to care for the fawn as they smell the dog. If this happens, you should first wait and see if the mother returns. If the mother has not returned within a few hours, you may need to contact someone. Follow the Sick and Injured Wildlife Guide on the Minnesota DNR website to learn who to contact in the event of an injured fawn.