Humans and pets of all shapes, sizes, and recreational interests influence wildlife behavior. why is it important to respect seasonal wildlife closures? But even the best habitat will struggle to sustain animals in the face of human-induced stress. Good quality native plant communities are a huge factor in enabling big game to endure brutal Rocky Mountain storms. Winter range can also be densely vegetated wetlands, shrublands, and forests that provide woody browse, thermal cover, and security for moose. Winter range for mule deer and elk can be steep terrain that receives enough sun and wind to keep snow depths low and natural forage accessible. Winter range is the land, topography, and habitat that big game species (deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep) require to survive deep snow, frigid temperatures, predation threats, and stress from human causes.
