Think back to our warm, balmy summer afternoon and the black bear taking a dip in forest pool.
Not only is this a heart-warming sight of a bear cooling itself much like a human might, but this perennial, year-long water source could also be essential for its survival in the hottest, driest months of the summer.
As temperatures increase, precipitation decreases, and human encroachment and development increase throughout the Central Cascades, it’s becoming more and more important to protect migratory corridors and perennial water sources that animals depend on for year round survival. Other animals were observed taking refuge at this cool water source on the hottest days, including mule deer, coyote, elk, bobcat, and cougars.
Throughout the study, this was a very popular spot, with the most photos of wildlife taken here out of all the cameras we deployed.
