The Gulf Coast’s ongoing extreme drought isn’t just drying up lawns—it’s affecting wildlife, too.
Weeks without significant rain have dried up ponds, ditches, and other natural water sources, forcing animals like birds and gators to search for water elsewhere.
“Wildlife in our backyards is a very natural occurrence to most of us. And if they're going to survive, they have to find the things that they need to survive,” said Michele Arquette-Palermo, Chief Programs Officer with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
That search can sometimes bring wildlife closer to people.
“So that might add to that human wildlife conflict that we sometimes have. But I think we need to give them the space that they need to grow and thrive. And we have to be understanding of that, you know, because we are living in their habitat.”
Arquette-Palermo says the drought highlights a larger issue—our changing environment.
“In a drought situation, in a warming climate, right, it's a wake-up call. You know, these extremes are affecting us, especially in places like the Everglades. And it only reinforces why restoration and building resilience into our human systems is more important now than ever.”
Despite the challenges, there is an upside. Shrinking pools of water may concentrate prey, creating feeding opportunities for some predators.
The National Drought Mitigation Center will release an update on drought levels this Thursday.