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Colorado Big Game Herds Recover, But Summer Drought Looms

12/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist Becca de Vergie notes Northwest Colorado big game herds are recovering from the 2022-23 harsh winter, aided by milder conditions this winter.
de Vergie says elk, deer, and pronghorn have lower mortality because they expend less energy to access food.
Elk populations have rebounded to around 15,800.
However, a potential low snowpack could lead to a dry summer with reduced forage and water.

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Story summary

Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist Becca de Vergie notes Northwest Colorado big game herds are recovering from the 2022-23 harsh winter, aided by milder conditions this winter.
de Vergie says elk, deer, and pronghorn have lower mortality because they expend less energy to access food.
Elk populations have rebounded to around 15,800.
However, a potential low snowpack could lead to a dry summer with reduced forage and water.