TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Experts say the deep snow covering much of Kansas only made things worse for wildlife in the state.
Jim Pitman, a state small game biologist, says birds and other wildlife were already having trouble finding food or cover after two years of extreme drought. Now the parched land is covered by several inches of snow, making the search even harder.
The snow could help revive habitat in the long run. But in the short term, Penner says the conditions are difficult, particularly for prairie birds.
Penner said several birds also are being killed by drivers because they are congregating along roads to feed, sometimes in huge numbers.
The Wichita Eagle reports the concern comes as many species of prairie birds are dwindling because of the sustained drought.
