This winter has delivered exactly what southern New England is known for — persistent cold, repeated storms, and in many areas, a deep, lingering snowpack. While the snow may look beautiful across Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut, it is already influencing how deer and rabbits are feeding — and that impact is likely to continue well into the 2026 growing season.
For property owners, winter weather doesn’t just shape the landscape. It directly affects wildlife behavior, especially when natural food sources become harder to reach. Based on what we’ve seen so far this season, homeowners across our region should be prepared for elevated browsing pressure both now and as we move into spring.
What the Deep Snow Is Doing Right Now
When snowpack builds and stays in place, many of the low-growing plants that deer and rabbits typically rely on become buried or difficult to access. As a result, wildlife shifts into survival feeding mode much earlier and more aggressively.
In southern New England, this usually means increased browsing on:
- Arborvitae
- Yews
- Rhododendrons
- Holly
- Young tree bark
- Foundation plantings
Because these plants remain exposed above the snow line, they quickly become high-value food sources. Many homeowners begin to notice this damage in late winter, especially along property edges and in more open suburban neighborhoods where deer movement is already established.
Rabbits can also become more active during heavy snow winters, particularly when snow crust allows them to reach higher on young trees and shrubs than they normally could.
The Bigger Concern: Spring 2026
While winter browsing gets attention, the more significant pressure often arrives as we transition into spring. Deer typically enter late winter nutritionally stressed after months of limited, lower-quality food. When the snow finally begins to recede and fresh growth appears, feeding activity often ramps up quickly.
For southern New England properties, this can mean:
- New buds disappearing almost overnight
- Fresh plantings getting hit early
- Flowering ornamentals seeing heavy pressure
- Repeat feeding in the same landscape beds
Importantly, most winters in our region — even snowy ones — do not significantly reduce deer populations. Instead, they create hungry animals that are highly motivated to feed as soon as spring growth begins. That combination often leads to concentrated browsing in April, May, and early June.
Why Landscapes in Our Area Are Especially Vulnerable
Southern New England’s suburban layout naturally brings deer and rabbits into close contact with residential properties. Wood lines, fragmented habitats, and well-maintained landscaping create ideal feeding corridors.
After a winter with sustained snow cover, animals tend to:
- Return to known food sources
- Focus on properties with reliable plantings
- Establish repeat feeding patterns
Once that pattern begins, the same shrubs and beds often see continued pressure throughout the growing season.
What Property Owners Should Watch for in Late Winter
As we move through the remainder of winter, homeowners in Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut should keep an eye out for early warning signs, including:
- Ragged evergreen edges
- Cleanly clipped stems
- Bark chewing on young trees
- Tracks concentrated near foundation plantings
Catching activity early is helpful, but the most important step is staying ahead of the spring surge that typically follows a heavy-snow winter.
Planning Ahead for the 2026 Growing Season
The weather pattern we’ve experienced this winter is already setting the stage for an active browsing season in southern New England. Properties that typically see deer or rabbit activity should assume pressure will remain steady — and potentially increase — as we move into spring green-up.
The homeowners who tend to have the best-looking landscapes by early summer are the ones who take a proactive approach rather than waiting for visible damage to appear. Once deer establish a reliable feeding location, they tend to return repeatedly throughout the season.
Bottom line: This winter’s deep snow across southern New England is likely to translate into hungry deer and rabbits as we head toward spring 2026. Staying proactive now can make the difference between minor nibbling and significant landscape damage in the months ahead.