What We Know: The Missouri Department of Conservation is tracking an outbreak of hemorrhagic disease in deer across the state.
What It Means: The viral disease shows up in Missouri deer herds most years. One of the first signs is a high fever, which can cause sick deer to seek out ponds, creeks and rivers.
MDC says the disease can kill quickly, so dead deer are often found in or near water. The animals may otherwise appear to be in good condition with no obvious signs of what killed them.
What’s Next: If you find a deer you believe died from hemorrhagic disease, MDC is asking you to report it to the department.
(Photo provided by Envato)