BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — As North Dakota enters 2025, wildlife experts are keeping a close eye on two key factors that will determine the success of animal populations this year: spring weather and habitat conditions. According to Casey Anderson, Division Chief of Wildlife at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the combination of these two elements will play a huge role in determining whether populations grow or face setbacks. “As we get into spring, it’s going to depend on moisture. If we have nesting cover and things for those upland game birds… they can reproduce really fast, and populations can grow, which is what we saw this year,” Anderson said. Without healthy grasslands, wetlands, and nesting cover, even ideal weather conditions can’t guarantee strong populations. “That habitat has to be ready for the weather to cooperate. If it’s not there, it doesn’t matter what weather we get. Those wildlife populations can’t flourish because the habitat isn’t there to protect them to raise their young, to feed their young,” Anderson said. Winter weather is another factor affecting North Dakota’s wildlife. So far, the state has seen relatively mild conditions, which bodes well for animals heading into spring. “With not much snow on the ground, that’s a good sign. Critters can still get around. They can still get to their winter thermal cover, to their food sources, and back-and-forth easy without exposing themselves,” Anderson said. However, North Dakota winters are unpredictable, and sudden shifts to severe cold or heavy snow could still pose challenges. “If we want more deer licenses, we gotta have more habitat. If we want more pheasants, you know, to harvest or watch, we gotta have more habitat on the landscape,” Anderson said. As 2025 unfolds, wildlife experts will be watching closely, hoping for favorable weather and continued efforts to improve habitat across the state. For more information on wildlife conservation and habitat efforts in North Dakota, visit the Game and Fish Department’s website.