CLARKSTOWN, NY (WCBS 880) - Wild animals have been struggling to survive this harsh winter as nature’s bounty remains buried under hard-packed ice and snow leaving their major source of food, such as nuts and seeds, out of reach.

The animals are growing desperate searching for food wherever they can. Herds of deer have been clustering along the median of the Palisades Interstate Parkway looking for any other viable source of food and posing a danger to drivers.

“They just cut right across the road and then you’ve got to pay attention. So I constantly watch,” Richlo Cicero told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams.

Other wild animals are suffering too. The Journal News reports that wildlife experts have been taking in geese, possum and red-tail hawks hit by cars while picking at roadkill.

Clarkstown animal control officer Pat Coleman says if you want to help a distressed animal, call a professional.

“We really don’t want people feeding them. It’s actually against the law,” She tells WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams. “Once you start feeding an animal, then they’re going to expect you to continue feeding them.”

What do you think can be done to help the animals? Let us know below