Instead of "April Showers," we have been having "April Snow Squalls." These were the views from my windows on Saturday. More snow! The good thing about spring snow is that it melts quickly in spring and by today most of it was gone.
Sadly, though, I've read in The Wildlife Society that the severe weather this winter has caused the deaths of many deer, elk, and pronghorn in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Montana.
The Mountain Journal has stated that "April is typically the hardest month of survival for a range of species, particularly ungulates that include elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), and bison, says Julie Cunningham, a veteran biologist with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks." Food has been extremely difficult for big game to find as much of it is covered by deep, hard-packed snow.
The Mountain Journal has also stated that "Looking at GPS-collared animals in the Wyoming Range mule deer herd, of the 128 does wearing collars at the beginning of winter, 35 percent currently have been lost. In an average year, adult deer mortality is approximately 20 percent. And of 92 juvenile deer collared, 90 percent of those animals have died to date."
The Road Less Traveled from monteith. shop on Vimeo.
In this Vimeo video called "The Road Less Traveled"-- click here to watch if you can not see the video player above -- a Wyoming Wildlife Scientist states; "Each year, Wyoming sees an average of 6,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are costly for all of us, but it's a clear problem with a clear solution. Wildlife crossing structures like overpasses and underpasses are effective at making our roads safer for people and for wildlife."
- The best thing residents and recreationists can do to help wildlife is to give the animals plenty of space and keep pets from harassing wildlife. Keep your dog on a leash when hiking and use designated areas and trails for your winter activities. This helps wildlife retain the energy they need to survive.
- Never feed wildlife. Artificially feeding wildlife can lead to chronic wasting disease and is illegal. If you want to help wildlife find food in your area during the winter do not rake up leaves or remove dead plants in the fall, as they will become a food source for deer, etc.
- Advocate for your state to install Wildlife Crossings in ungulate migration areas or where their numbers are high to help avoid vehicle collisions. Use caution when driving when deer or elk are in the vicinity.
- Be aware that hunting tags and permits may be reduced in number this year in many states to allow for the re-population of deer and elk, etc.
- Support state and national wildlife organizations
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