With long-term drought, Arizona’s wildlife has less drinking water and a bigger fight for survival, especially during the dangerously hot and dry summer months.  Despite a good monsoon season this summer, the state is expected to remain in drought.

Through the Game and Fish Department, Arizona offers an opportunity for people to help the Department get water to 800 species of wildlife.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department maintains 3,000 wildlife water locations, including man-made catchments, built in locations all around the state. These stations provide |life-saving hydration for all manner of wildlife all year long, from scurrying chipmunks to thirsty eagles to bugling elk.” It costs the Department more than $1 million a year to deliver water to these sites every year, with some of the most remote areas requiring helicopters to reach them.

Since the Game and Fish Department does not receive any general fund tax dollars, it relies on donors to help fund costs such as vehicle maintenance, new trailers to haul water, and catchment repairs and upkeep.

Some accomplishments highlighted on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s “Send Water to Wildlife” page include:

•  3,000 wildlife water stations filled.
• Up to 1.5 million gallons of water delivered.
• Funds paid out include $40,000 for helicopter deliveries and $96,000 for equipment upgrades.

Writes the Department, “No matter the challenges, it’s worth it to give our wildlife a fighting chance at survival.” The donation page is here.