Drought Affecting Wildlife

The heat and dry conditions, which have claimed lives, fueled wildfires and dried up crops, are taking their toll on wildlife as well. From fish kills to dangerous encounters with humans, the animal world is suffering.

The National Climatic Data Center reported Monday that the U.S. is in its worst drought since 1956. About 55 percent of the country is in moderate drought, while almost 75 percent is in some state of drought.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports the past 12 months ending June 30 are the hottest ever on record. In the past half year, 28 states east of the Rocky Mountains set temperature records, and 170 all-time temperature records were...