Changes in visits to wildlife water developments by bighorn sheep and mule deer following a wildland fire

Background Wildland fire can influence water needed by ungulates. Little is known regarding visits to wildlife water developments (i.e. guzzlers) by ungulates before and after a wildland fire. Aims In 2016, a wildland fire on Antelope Island State Park, US, burned 90% of the area used by bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and 58% of the area used by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Methods We quantified changes in visits to seven guzzlers located in the fire scar for 2 years before and 2 years after that fire using data from camera traps from 2014 to 2018. Key results Visits to guzzlers by bighorn sheep females increased after the fire but did not change for males; visits to guzzlers increased for male and female mule deer following the fire. Visits by female bighorn sheep and mule deer remained high for two years following the fire. Visits by bighorn sheep and mule deer were highest during summer for females and during rut for males. Conclusions Wildland fire changed the way bighorn sheep and mule deer visited wildlife water developments. Implications Our results indicate that guzzlers can provide additional water for ungulates in areas affected by a changing climate, drought and wildland fires.