The arrival of the first snow in the mountains triggered a wave of wildlife movements around Dubois. As I ventured out after waking to a scene of snow-capped peaks on Tuesday morning, I spotted elk herds crossing State Highway 22. Intrigued, I headed toward Camas National Wildlife Refuge, encountering a great-horned owl battling the biting north wind near the entrance. Knowing refuge personnel had expressed concerns about photographers disturbing owl families, I kept my distance.
At the unfinished observation tower, I observed two bull elk, likely descended from the mountains north of Camas. One of the bulls was missing an antler. They meandered south towards Sandhole Lake, the only source of water currently available in the refuge.
The snow-covered topography also prompted white-tailed deer to reposition themselves.
Four young bucks emerged from the Cattail Flat after being startled by the elk, and further south near Ruddy Pond, a doe and her fawns grazed in the tall sagebrush. Refuge employees confirmed that the white-tailed population has surged in recent days as they retreated to the refuge.
With winter settling in, the age-old cycle of migration is underway. Mule deer and thousands of elk will soon descend from their mountain havens to the agricultural lands stretching from Hamer to Dubois. My awareness of this movement was heightened by the sighting of two deer that had unfortunately met their fate on the roadways.
Given the upcoming weather predictions, drivers need to exercise heightened caution in the area as the elk migration intensifies.
In a positive development, the construction of several new wells within the refuge is progressing well. By next spring, three new wells should be operational. The test well at Ruddy Pond revealed a significant water source at a depth of approximately 300 feet, nearly twice the depth anticipated. The production well at this location will be completed next spring.
The production well near Rays Lake, west of Sandhole Lake, is already drilled and is expected to become operational by the end of November. This well will produce a substantial 5,000 gallons per minute, ensuring a reliable water supply for the lake throughout the summer. As I made my way to the Rays Lake well site, a captivating sight unfolded overhead: a massive flock of around 300 sandhill cranes soared high into the sky. Riding the northerly winds, they embarked on their southward migration, with smaller flocks trying to keep pace. Driven by instinct, these birds were clearly seeking to escape the encroachment of winter before their food sources became scarce.
That evening, while gathering firewood, I heard the resounding calls of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and tundra swans migrating overhead. Whether guided by instinct or the whispers of the approaching wintry weather, these magnificent birds were preparing for the journey ahead.
I sense that winter is upon us. It’s now time to put out my winter bird feeders and prepare for the arrival of the songbirds.
I look forward to witnessing the trumpeter swans gather at Deer Parks west of the Menan Buttes and the arrival of elk in the agricultural fields east of Hamer. A week filled with the wonders of nature is in store.
Interview with Wildlife Expert Dr. Emily Harris on the Impact of Winter Migration Patterns
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr. Harris. It’s great to have you with us today. With the first snow hitting the mountains around Dubois, we’re already seeing some dynamic wildlife movements. Can you give us an overview of what’s happening in the area?
Dr. Emily Harris (EH): Thank you for having me! Yes, winter is a critical time for wildlife migration. The recent snowfall has triggered a natural instinct in animals like elk and deer to move to lower elevations where food and water are more accessible. The snow-capped peaks create a picturesque landscape, but it also signifies a shift for these animals as they seek sustenance.
TNE: Fascinating! You mentioned elk specifically. What can you tell us about their current movements, particularly those spotted crossing State Highway 22?
EH: Absolutely! Elk are highly adaptive animals, and when snow covers their usual forage areas, they tend to migrate to agricultural lands where they can find food more easily. As you’ve seen, herds are now moving southward. However, it’s important for drivers in the area to remain extra vigilant, especially as the elk migration picks up due to the cold temperatures and snow.
TNE: Speaking of animals on the move, you also highlighted observations of white-tailed deer and a notable increase in their population at the Camas National Wildlife Refuge. What’s driving that surge?
EH: The rise in the white-tailed deer population is tied closely to their behavior of retreating to more protected areas, like wildlife refuges, during winter. As the habitat becomes inhospitable, many deer find refuge in these areas, away from harsher conditions. It’s a time when they can still find food sources, but it also means that they might come into conflict with vehicles on roadways that go through these regions.
TNE: It’s striking to hear about the balance of nature at play. Speaking of balance, I noticed that some wildlife photography can disturb these animals. What should photographers and nature enthusiasts be aware of during this migration season?
EH: That’s a great point. Wildlife photography can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires responsibility. The presence of photographers can disturb species that are already stressed by environmental changes. For example, great-horned owls, like the one you encountered, are especially sensitive. It’s essential for photographers to maintain a respectful distance and familiarize themselves with the wildlife guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to these animals and their habitats.
TNE: Those are practical tips for everyone looking to appreciate wildlife. Now, I noticed something optimistic in your article regarding the construction of new wells within the refuge. Can you elaborate on how that will benefit the wildlife?
EH: Certainly! The new wells will provide critical water sources for animals during the dry and chilly months when natural water may be scarce. An adequate supply of water is vital for the overall health of the refuge ecosystem. Improved hydration can help sustain not just the migrating elk and deer but various species that rely on the refuge during winter months. It’s a step in the right direction for conservation efforts in the region.
TNE: Wonderful to hear about proactive measures being taken! Is there anything else you’d like our readers to keep in mind as we head further into winter?
EH: Absolutely! I encourage everyone to be both respectful and mindful, whether you’re driving or out enjoying nature. Understanding the wildlife movements and the challenges they face can foster a deeper appreciation and help minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Harris, for sharing your insights with us today. Your expertise sheds valuable light on the intricate connections between wildlife and their environments, especially during the winter migration.
EH: Thank you for the opportunity! It’s essential to keep these conversations going as we strive to coexist with the incredible wildlife around us.