05/28/2026
A recent study done at the University of Wyoming shows that the spread of cheatgrass and other invasive grasses are overtaking sagebrush and grassland habitats, forcing mule deer to avoid those areas. πΎ
This study predicts that mule deer could end up losing more than half of their high-quality habitat in northeast Wyoming within the next two decades.
Fortunately, Kurt Smith, lead author of the new study, states that "there's plenty of hope that we can maintain big game populations if we strategically treat cheatgrass and other invasives." π¦
Read the full article and full paper at the link below.
www.uwyo.edu/news/2025/09/invasive-grasses-threaten-mule-deer-but-strategic-action-can-turn-the-tide-uw-research-suggests.html
Photo credit: Gregory Nickerson/Wyoming Migration Initiative
UWyo College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources
University of Wyoming Research and Economic Development Division