Less rainfall means less food, leading to a host of secondary perils for wildlife.
Emaciation and dehydration
Scant vegetation and a poor supply of insects results in fewer small birds and mammals (prey) and that means less food for predators.
Many of the baby season’s youngsters will fail to thrive because parents cannot find enough food for themselves and their young.
Injuries
Birds and mammals are forced to leave known territories in search of food and water. Dispersal brings them into conflict with resident wildlife and other wildlife on the move. Traveling in unknown territory also increases the likelihood of being hit by vehicles or caught by cats and dogs.
Increased parasite load
Weak, starving animals fall prey to internal and external parasites.
Secondary poisoning from rodenticides
When rodents move into human-occupied habitats in search of food, the use of rat poison increases. Rodenticide use frequently results in the poisoning of non-target animals such as eagles and owls, cats and dogs. Please call Wildcare Eastern Sierra to discuss options other than poison.