Drought and Wildlife

While we often think about the impacts of drought conditions on humans, it's easy to forget that water scarcity affects wildlife, too. As wild animals search for reliable food and water sources, they may be coming closer to humans than they would under normal conditions. Most of the time wildlife are harmless - enjoy viewing them, but remember to keep your distance and avoid contact.

While it may seem like a good idea to feed or provide water to backyard wildlife to lend a hand, it is actually much better to let wildlife fend for themselves. Deer and other animals are adapted to certain natural foods, and switching up their diet can make them sick. Artificial food sources can cause wildlife to crowd together, increase competition between animals, and increase the possibility for spreading disease; wildlife can also cause significant damage to your backyard shrubs and trees. If you want to offer food for wildlife in your backyard, stick to bird feeders - birds will benefit from feeders, without the side-effects!