Happy Monday, Beacon Readers! I hope your weekend was smoother than it’s been lately for the Flathead Reservation’s white-tailed deer population.  

Wildlife managers with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) have reported a sharp uptick in deer deaths across the reservation, including Hot Springs and multiple areas in the Mission Valley. The tribe’s Wildlife Management Program suspects a hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is to blame. 

The disease causes a high fever and internal hemorrhaging, leading to rupturing of internal organs and tissues. Don’t worry — it’s not contagious to humans, but it can cause significant die-offs in local deer populations.  

CSKT officials have confirmed the disease is present in Hot Springs and the Mission Valley, as well as in a few areas surrounding the Flathead Reservation. They’re not currently seeking reports from these known hotspots, but if you see signs of an outbreak in a new part of the reservation, they want to hear from you.  

In September, state wildlife managers said EHD was likely to blame for killing localized populations of white-tailed deer in the Eureka, Marion and Plains areas.

To report potential EHD cases in new areas, email [email protected] or call the Wildlife Conflict Call line at 406-275-2774.

I’m Katie Bartlett, here to walk you through how to spot symptoms of EHD — and give the rest of today’s daily roundup. 

The disease is spread by biting midges, which tend to emerge in late summer and early fall. Because EHD causes a high fever and internal bleeding, infected deer often become dehydrated and are more likely to be found near water sources.  

While last week’s frost marked the end of the outbreak, CSKT wildlife officials believe mortalities will likely continue through the first half of this week. Though the frost killed the bugs, it can take up to 10 days for infected deer to succumb to the symptoms. 

Hunting season is picking up, and deer infected with EHD may still appear healthy when harvested. They’re safe to eat as long as the meat is properly cooked. 

Nonetheless, CSKT recommends hunters test their animals for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) before digging in. Thankfully, the two diseases present slightly differently. 

Signs of EHD include a lack of awareness of human presence, foaming at the mouth, and a blue swollen tongue.  

CWD, on the other hand, often shows up in weight loss and unusual behavior. Affected animals can appear emaciated and may be seen walking in circles, drooling excessively, or drooping their ears, head, and neck.  

While EHD can cause significant die-offs in localized deer populations, the outbreaks typically don’t spread across large areas.  

Now, let’s check out the rest of today’s daily roundup.