Drought reduced pronghorn fawn survival in eastern Montana
9/24/2021 11:59:42 PM
CATEGORIES:
Plants & Wildlife
AFFECTED AREAS:
Big Horn County, MT
Blaine County, MT
Carbon County, MT
Carter County, MT
Chouteau County, MT
Custer County, MT
Daniels County, MT
Dawson County, MT
Fallon County, MT
Fergus County, MT
Garfield County, MT
Golden Valley County, MT
Hill County, MT
Judith Basin County, MT
McCone County, MT
Musselshell County, MT
Petroleum County, MT
Phillips County, MT
Powder River County, MT
Prairie County, MT
Richland County, MT
Roosevelt County, MT
Rosebud County, MT
Sheridan County, MT
Stillwater County, MT
Sweet Grass County, MT
Treasure County, MT
Valley County, MT
Wheatland County, MT
Wibaux County, MT
Yellowstone County, MT
Start Date: 8/22/2021
- End Date: 12/31/2021
The hot, droughty summer in Montana reduced the survival of pronghorn fawns in some parts of the state. In Region 7 in southeast Montana, the fawn survival rate was down 39%, according to a Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologist based in Broadus.
In Region 5, in south central Montana, the fawn-to-doe ration averaged 43 fawns per 100 does, which is low compared to a long-term average, dating to 1983, of 60 fawns per 100 does.
In Region 6 where drought is more intense, the count in some survey areas was 20 to 30 fawns per 100 does. Fawn numbers were better in areas that received more moisture, like Hunting Districts 650 and 670, ranging from 60 to 70 fawns per 100 does.
Poor forage conditions were thought to be responsible for the low fawn survival this year. Animals were also staying within two to three miles of water, and were not present in areas without water.
Billings Gazette (Mont.), Aug 22, 2021
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