It is clear that the air quality and heat is starting to effect humans. The air quality in the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula has been in the "hazardous" range for quite some time now. We keep hearing about the air quality being "unhealthy for sensitive groups." But, what does that mean?

According to missoulacounty.us

When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, people with heart or lung disease, children and the elderly should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.  Anyone experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider.

Thankfully, we humans can do our best to escape the hazardous air quality, by installing air filters and staying indoors. Unfortunately, wild animals don't have that option. The extended heat wave, dwindling water supplies and excessive smoke is taking it toll on wildlife too.

According to KULR8

 "The particulate, the fine particulate that you can see in the air, the gasses that are put off by fire, all those things obviously affect air breathing animals the same as it does human beings," Bob Gibson, the communication manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said. 

But, it is not just the smoke that is effecting our furry friends. The dry conditions have got food sources disappearing. Meaning animals are now encroaching on human civilization in search of food. Those lush green lawns and bird feeders are looking like an oasis in the desert. Bob Gibson with the FWP reminds people to be diligent about picking up garbage, apples, bbq grills and any other food source that may attract wild animals to your yard.

 

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