Utah’s Wildlife Faces Heat-Driven Behavioral Changes as Summer Approaches
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s wildlife may adapt their behaviors as forecasts predict a notably hot summer, with a 65% chance of above-average temperatures. Dax Mangus, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ big game program coordinator, highlights that while temperature influences animal behavior, vegetation and water availability have a more significant impact on their movements.
As drought affects plant life, animals are expected to migrate toward cooler, moister areas, such as north-facing slopes. This shift may prompt increased nighttime and early-morning activity among big game animals as they seek relief from the heat.
During the peak fawning season, female animals will gravitate closer to water sources for their lactation needs, while males may opt for higher, drier elevations. Species like moose, which struggle with heat, will seek cooler habitats near water, whereas desert big horn sheep are well-adapted to the heat.
To combat potential drought, Utah wildlife officials have implemented long-standing measures to enhance water availability, including the installation of rainwater catchment systems known as "water guzzlers." With ongoing monitoring, the Division aims to safeguard wildlife through the summer months.
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