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Snow, Snow and More Snow

© Clayton Howe

Snow, snow and more snow, will it ever end? We just received more than a foot of new snow a couple days ago. Branches broke off our beautiful green pine trees and a neighbor's roof caved in. Between snow falling from the sky and snow falling off the roof, we can't even see out the kitchen picture window. I can only imagine how the poor wild creatures are doing with all this white fluff.

We are throwing a small amount of crackers, seed and crusty bread outside for the birds to feed on. I saw a group of three deer hanging out with our horse just two days ago. I keep praying the hungry coyotes don't chase the deer down to make a meal of any of them. The deep snow makes travel for the long-legged deer very difficult. The deer step down and sink into the deep, wet snow while the coyotes are able to travel on the surface, for the most part. It is their unfair advantage.

There are opposing thoughts about feeding nature's wildlife. Some say it causes the animals and birds to become too dependent on us. Once they learn where they can always find a "free meal" they aren't as adept at finding their own food. Others insist this is a fallacy. I fall somewhere in the middle. Our family doesn't feed the wildlife on a regular basis, but we do offer foodstuffs occasionally, especially in extremely rough weather conditions, to supplement what the animals and birds find naturally. I feel this just may help prevent a few creatures needing my help due to lack of enough food to eat. And, it just plain makes me feel better. I am ready for SPRING!!!

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