America’s iconic big game species have been a cornerstone of habitat conservation for nearly a century. Hunters and wildlife viewers have invested billions of dollars to successfully restore game populations across the continent, but according to a report released this week by the National Wildlife Federation, even our most common and charismatic species are feeling the proverbial heat.
Nowhere to Run: Big Game Wildlife in a Warming World outlines how climate-induced habitat losses, frequent extreme weather events like flood and drought, and increased disease transmission threaten animals like deer, elk, and black bear. While these creatures go hand-in-hand with images of the vast American West, this report demonstrates that wildlife in Illinois are also becoming increasingly vulnerable to things like habitat loss and disease.
To restore and maintain the resilience of our lands and waters for all species, we must acknowledge that we’re living in a time of unprecedented environmental change. Prairie Rivers Network continues to work with policy makers, agencies, and organizations to restore and protect the integrity of our natural landscape.
Further Reading
Nowhere to Run is the latest in a series about how global climate change is impacting animals and their habitats. To learn more, check out their other reports on freshwater fish, migratory birds, and other wildlife:
