Journey through mule deer migration story map

Researchers have put together an immersive story map where readers can learn more about the migration of Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), particularly the journey of Deer 255, a collared doe that migrated 242 miles one way. Scrolling through the page, users can check out maps, videos and recent findings on the deer’s migration dynamics. The project, a result of collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey’s Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and others, shares Deer 255’s journey on its fall migration route after it was collared in 2016 in the Red Desert. Those challenges include a growing human footprint on the landscape and climate change. The story map will be embedded in the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas that the USGS is creating for President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative. “We’re excited that this work will be featured in the Conservation Atlas,” said Matt Kauffman, director of the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the Wyoming Migration Initiative. “The immersive map products we are creating make scientific research accessible, helping provide context to the local communities that interact with these migrations, such as ranching operations.”

Check out the story at USGS.