The megadrought in the West and High Plains is hurting big game like mule deer and cold-water fish species like trout and salmon. Scorching temps are evaporating moisture from browse and creating dry tinder for the wildfires that are growing bigger and more frequent. Meanwhile, drought is hitting the Dakotas hard and causing problems in the prairie pothole region. The real question: Is this the new normal?

Produced and edited by Senior Deputy Editor Natalie Krebs.

Reporting by contributor Christine Peterson and Hunting & Conservation Editor Andrew McKean.

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