Biologists with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department warn that dry conditions in Wyoming this year are leaving wildlife susceptible to high mortality this winter. Spokesman Al Langston says plant growth has been low because of lack of moisture. That's caused wildlife to be in poor condition. Langston says the upcoming winter could present a double-edged sword to mule deer populations. If a heavy snowpack comes, especially in lowland deer wintering areas, significant mortality could occur. If the snowfall is light, the moisture starved plants will be stressed further and the quality of the habitat will continue to deteriorate.

More From KGAB