Reported by: Danielle Grant

Not only has this year's severe winter weather affected our daily lives but it is making Idaho's wildlife desperate to survive.    

Now, Idaho Fish and Game begins their efforts to save our wildlife.

Sadly, every winter wildlife dies. And with extreme winters like this year's, even more won't make it through these cruel conditions.

"This is going to be a very long, costly, drawn-out operation," said Gregg Losinski from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

So, Fish and Game officers and biologists have to step in.

"[They are] surveying snow conditions, seeing what the forage is like, seeing what kind of conditions the animals are in," explained Losinski.

When it comes down to feeding the deer and elk, they are going to focus on adult does, one's that can reproduce once we get through this winter.

"Once we start an operation, we cannot stop until spring green-up occurs."

That's because the animals must convert to a human food source, relying solely on those that feed them.

It has been more than 15 years ago since Fish and Game has worked an operation of this scale.

"This is pulling out some old battle plans, getting up some gear that we haven't used in a long time trying to put together the manpower," Losinski said.

Although it may not be a cure...

"Feeding is not the answer, it's just a Band-Aid."

Something is being done to help save Idaho's wildlife, one animal at a time.

Fish and Game do not want folks to feed the animals themselves because they say it's not a consistent food source.

If you want to be a part of their effort to save our wildlife, just call 208.525.7290 or visit their website, http://www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/.