The water levels in Wakamow have been a constant concern over the summer, but according to the Sask. Wildlife Federation, animals shouldn’t be too affected by the low levels.
“High water levels are good for some wildlife, such as fish ... but low levels can work as a warning system for amphibians to give a heads up in finding areas for hibernation,” Sask. Wildlife fisheries biologist, Adam Matichuk told the Times-Herald.
“A lot of the rivers and streams are very high in the spring from the snow melt, and as summer and fall develop, the levels continue to dry up,” Matichuk added.
He said most wildlife in the province have adapted to the cycles and, in the past, Wakamow held its water until the beginning of November in Plaxton Lake at the CPR Dam.
“Frogs and turtles burrow into the mud for hibernation, and if there is no water they’ll freeze out in the winter,” Matichuk said. “When the water levels are already this low at the beginning of the season, it gives (amphibians) time to find proper conditions.”
Matichuk said the low water levels are “not the best case scenario, but with the CPR Dam being in place since the 1800s, the animals have adapted to the ecosystem.”
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