Tough Travels for Wyoming Wildlife
The Wildlife Conservation Society released a report last week on the most spectacular wildlife migrations in the Western United States and the dangers these animals face while on the move. Not surprisingly, Wyoming’s antelope, mule deer and elk topped the list. Wyoming was one of 11 states surveyed by the Wildlife Conservation Society and a total of 41 different animal migrations were observed. What chief conservationist Keith Aune discovered is that there are several major threats facing migrating animals that make considerable journeys for their survival. Factors that are specifically threatening the migration patterns of Wyoming’s antelope, mule deer and elk include energy development, residential areas, highways and fencing. Aune says the threats to wildlife, specifically the antelope that call Jackson Hole home, abound throughout their journey and that the areas along the Green River, where they migrate to, are being extensively explored for oil, gas and coalbed methane. Overall, Aune asserts that climate change and human development are the most significant threats facing animals on the move. Read the report at: http://www.wcs.org/files/pdfs/Spectacular-Migrations-in-the-Western-US-Version-3.pdf
