Plagued!

The biting flies have been horrendous at several of my study sites this year.  I'm typically mobbed by them every time I go out to check on my camera traps. 

You may imagine that if it's bad for us, it must be worse for resident wildlife that can't just jump in a vehicle to escape the swarms.

It should come as no surprise that they about loose their minds trying to keep these swarms at bay.

So...this is obviously a nuisance for these critters.

Now, imagine how it must impede their ability to sense danger.

Below is a video clip of a fawn at night....when the flies aren't as bad.  He or She is able to be on the alert for danger...ears swivelling....head up....always devoting attention to the search for potential threats.

Now, take a look at a fawn (perhaps the same fawn) at this site during the day.  Note that almost no time is spent scanning for predators, etc., as the flies are taking up most of of the fawn's energy and attention.

It's a rough world out there......