Las Vegas, Nevada 2021-06-04 12:39:00 AM –
Las Vegas (FOX5) – Don’t be surprised if cougars and other predators invade your neighborhood this summer. Several big cats have been observed and trapped this year, particularly near Summerlin. The Las Vegas area is currently suffering from severe and prolonged drought.
“Drought has a huge impact on all wildlife,” said Doug Nielsen of the Nevada Wildlife Service.
Drought means that it becomes difficult for all animals to find food.
“When the soil is dry, there is no grass, no species that feed prey, no species that feed predators … it affects wildlife at all levels of the food cycle,” said Nielsen. I will explain.
Las Vegas has been drought for nearly 20 years. Over the past year and a half, the drought pattern has reached serious proportions.
“We took a valley in the Commonwealth’s driest county … added a master plan, added a golf course parish, added water, added grass.” Vegetation added … basically created the wrong habitat with steroids, “claimed Neilsen.
Small animals like rabbits and squirrels eat grass and plants that attract large animals.
“Those who rely on this prey and cannot be found anywhere else will get where they can be found,” said Nielsen.
The Nevada Wildlife Service said most animals are afraid to escape in the presence of humans, but if animals pose a threat to humans they need to step in and act.
“If they can evacuate where they are and return to the wild, they will happily make us happy and we will go the way. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, ”said Nielsen. Says.
Puma was euthanized in the Summerlin district this week. NDOW said there were several attempts to suppress it, but eventually the guards euthanized it to protect everyone.
Puma isn’t the only one to leave its normal habitat during a drought. In the Las Vegas Valley, you can spot other predators such as coyotes, bobcats, and foxes.
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