The danger of drought for wildlife is very real and wildlife officials are doing what they can to help the vulnerable get through it. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources shares that their biologists and other partners installed 16 new water guzzlers including the rebuilding of a “mega” guzzler in the summer range area of the Book Cliffs to help provide water for wildlife and other animals during the drought. A traditional guzzler typically consists of the following: A large 480-square-foot “apron” (often made of metal) that collects rainwater during storm events and an 1,800-gallon storage tank that holds the water and provides access for animal use. This “mega” guzzler is 15 times the size of a traditional one, and includes a 7,200-square-foot apron that drains into five storage tanks. It can take about 6 inches of precipitation to fill a traditional style guzzler — for the mega guzzler, it only takes 2 inches. The tanks were installed in July and the aprons will be completed by September. Animals have already been seen using the guzzler for water. “Projects like this are a crucial component of successfully balancing the needs of Utah’s wildlife and livestock alike,” shared Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Commissioner Craig Buttars. “Providing resources for feed, water and habitat enhancement supports optimal conditions for all species who inhabit the area.”
