Wildlife Need Water
In a dire drought like the one the West is in, it’s extra crucial for wildlife to have access to water. One elk needs around 4 gallons of water per day, while a mule deer needs between 1 and 1 1/2 gallons. Some, they can get from the vegetation they eat, but ultimately they need fresh water from lakes, streams, and other water bodies to stay hydrated.
When those sources dry up, wildlife can suffer in a variety of ways. Prey animals can become weaker and more vulnerable, animals traveling extra miles to look for water can get hit by cars, and the lack of water can cause developmental problems, sickness, and death. Earlier this year, a study found that a “mass die-off” of songbirds in multiple states, including Arizona, was exacerbated by drought and climate change, with a lack of water probably making the birds start their crucial winter migration in poor condition.
“Historic drought periods, such as this one, were typically followed by massive die-offs of wildlife,” Currie said. “By hauling water, we are able to stabilize those populations, keeping them alive and out of urban areas in search of water.”
