(KTEN) -- Record cold temperatures and snowfall from last week's historic winter storm have caused large numbers of bat fatalities under bridges and overpasses across Texas.

 

                                                                                             (Pictures courtesy of Wildlife Diversity Program)

Texas Parks and Wildlife is asking for your help in checking bridges and overpasses for deceased bats. However, they warn it's unsafe to handle bats--whether dead or alive. 

Live bats have also been found that were downed due to the freeze because of dehydration, starvation, and cold body temperatures. 


Other wildlife impacted by the historic storm include exotic, non-native axis deer, blackbuck and nilgai antelope, fish, multiple bird species, and various winter vegetation. Significant losses in numbers of white-tailed and mule deer are not anticipated. 

If you see deceased wildlife due to the winter storm on ranches, property, and neighborhoods, you can report it here. 

These observations will help biologists identify the full impacts from the storm.