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
Great post. It is sad to hear so many animals did not survive the winter.
ReplyDeleteThe wildlife crossing structures are a great idea. The deer in your yard are so cute! Great photos. Take care, have a great new week!
It is sad to see these beautiful animals suffer. We have lots of White-tailed deer coming into town to find food.
ReplyDeleteWow I love that view out of your window. Sometimes I also see one of them, but never so close.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad that so many animals died this winter. Love your photos as usual
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!! Reminds me of visits to family and having visits from a doe and her fawns. What a treasure! Thank you!! Cathy
ReplyDeleteLovely photos.
ReplyDeleteOur deer look so different. I wonder where the dividing line is for mule deer vs those we have out east?
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-last-of-quilts.html
What a nice post and captures and great views too thanks for sharing :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a wildlifetastic week 👍
We do have some of those wildlife bridges in Washington state. It would be fun to see some wildlife crossing on them. Sad winter for our wild animals...
ReplyDeleteThat's really distressing about the wildlife populaton and the challenges they are facing. The photos are wonderful -- and sad. Yes, this weather -- up and down -- is hard on everyone and I'm sure especially hard for the deer and all. Thanks for posting on this, Pat.
ReplyDeleteIt really is sad to lose our precious wildlife. We have a lot of wildlife crossing in this part of Florida and they have cameras and share some of the sightings. I love seeing animals and birds in the wild and I'm glad we have some no hunting areas too. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteThat deer visitor is a welcome sight.
ReplyDeleteSad information about lost animals in Winter.
ReplyDeleteColorado has a wonderful nature seen here in your post.
Thank you so much for sharing at
MosaicMonday
Hugs by Heidrun
I do like the wildlife bridges. Not something found around my small town, sadly.
ReplyDeleteThat is a sad tale. Our wild life is suffering from population increase, which means clearing of habitat and more cars. We too have wildlife bridges for the wallabies, koalas, wombats, bandicoots,echidnas and possums etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad situation. Here where I live the government put a program in to fence in most of the highways to avoid wildlife and vehicle collisions, I think that was such a great idea. I personally would never feed deer around here because unfortunately my neighbours would use that opportunity for hunting them.
ReplyDeleteWe have those here too. It's terrible when you see them dead on the road. Fur us it's roos and wombats mainly. #BlueMonday
ReplyDeleteI remember the saying in Colorado - there are only two seasons - Winter and July!!
ReplyDeleteThe wildlife bridge is encouraging. So sad to hear about the very high mortality rate in juvenile deer.
ReplyDeleteWildlife crossings are a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHello Pat,
ReplyDeleteI am all for saving and protecting the wildlife. It is sad the past winter was so hard on the wildlife. The bridges is such a good idea. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
I have kept an eye on Colorado weather for years plus hearing from our family there so I know it has been especially snowy .. sad to realize how hard it has been on the wildlife, but your post is so good and informative. I hope the measures being taken help. I didn't realize it was illegal to feed the wildlife, but it is a good reason.
ReplyDeleteI applaud the erection of these wildlife safe crossing either overhead or underneath the freeways.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
How cute….. Michelle
ReplyDeleteWhat a good post and very interesting
ReplyDeleteHave a wildlifetastic week 👍
That is so sad that the tough winter had such a negative impact on the animal population. I love the little visitor you had in your yard though!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hate to hear this, but I know it’s the reality not just for deer, but for any wildlife having to endure cold temperatures and lack of food. I can help the birds in the squirrels here through our winter, but there isn’t a lot that I can do for deer. .. Michelle
ReplyDelete