Wyoming wildlife struggling amid harsh winter conditions

Wyoming’s wild animals are facing more struggles than normal this winter due to heavy snowfall, strong winds and harsh temperatures, particularly in the west region of the state.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that Brian Nesvik with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department says fawn survival in the Jackson area will be lower than in recent years. The region had between 150 and 200 percent of normal snowpack before the most recent snowstorm.

Nesvik says elk, deer and pronghorn in the Pinedale area are also having difficulty, as strong winds and deep snow have pushed them outside their traditional winter ranges.

Wildlife managers say it’s still too early to determine any impacts on hunting seasons.

They are still evaluating the winter’s effects on wildlife.

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Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com