STATEWIDE – The dry winter will not have significant short-term effects on terrestrial wildlife and birds, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist explained. But if drought persists throughout the summer and beyond long-term concerns are likely.

Birds and animals obtain much of the water they need by metabolizing it from the plants and other sources of food they eat, said Scott Wait, senior terrestrial biologist. Compared with people, they need very little free water.

“But, in arid environments or on hot days wildlife do seek out free water,” Wait said.

The mild winter had a number of positive effects on big game animals. They came out of winter in good body condition. In addition, traditional deer and elk winter-range areas were lightly used during the cold months because animals were able to find food at higher elevations than normal. Consequently, winter range ? which is critical for big-game sustainability ? was given a rest and should grow more than usual through the summer and fall.

As vegetation begins to “green-up” at higher elevations, wildlife will find plenty of food. Even in dry years, summer rainstorms in the high country quench vegetation. More moisture also leads to more insects which are a critical source of food for birds.

With occasional rains, animals will be able to stay spread out on their summer range; they will concentrate on areas that are green if moisture is lacking. Starting in early July, monsoon rains usually are quite reliable in southwest Colorado and help to green-up the high country.

Wait, however, is concerned about long dry spells; a lack of moisture hurts the vegetation on which wildlife rely.

“A dry period that lasts through the summer can hurt lactating females because they need supplemental water to produce milk,” he said. Newborns continue to rely on their mothers for some milk into early fall.

If drought persists through the summer, negative effects on vegetation can begin to pile up.

“One season by itself won’t change much,” Wait said. “But we saw that the drought in the early 2000s had a cumulative impact.”

When drought effects compound over multiple seasons they add extra stressors and could lead to problems with reproduction and survival.

“How long we’re in drought is a concern. We’ll need those monsoon rains,” Wait explained.

CPW works with the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service to balance the quality and quantity of forage with the numbers of big-game on the range.

“Mother Nature, habitat projects and hunting license numbers are all part of the equation,” said Wait.  “We’ve been keeping our herds at the low end of our population objectives, especially in areas most affected by drought.” 

At this time of year, CPW also reminds everyone that most elk calves and deer fawns are born in early June. Please, do not pick up young animals; they have not been abandoned. Female deer and elk leave their young in safe spots while they forage some distance away to avoid attracting predators. The young lay mostly motionless and hold no scent until the female returns to nourish young with her rich milk.

Birds also occasionally fall from nests due to strong winds or when they are learning to fly. In most cases, they can be placed back into, or close to, their nests. The parents will continue to care for them.

Because wildlife is especially vulnerable this time of year, CPW also asks people to avoid harassing wildlife and to view animals from a distance. Also, don’t let dogs chase wildlife; an unleashed dog can chase young wildlife to exhaustion.

“CPW has area offices in 18 locations across the state and answers to your wildlife questions are only a phone call away,” said Wait.

Caption: Wildlife managers with CPW are concerned about the ongoing drought conditions in southwest Colorado./Courtesy photo