After a wildfire last summer burned 37 square miles between Cle Elum and Ellensburg, some people were concerned whether the 1,000 deer that winter in the area would have enough forage to survive.

The Fish and Wildlife Department says they're in fairly decent condition, so far. A mild late fall and early winter allowed some brush and grass to sprout before the snow fell. And, snow is not so deep or hard that deer over-exert themselves browsing

Wildlife biologist William Moore told the Daily Record ( http://bit.ly/Yj71xo) the deer are having a normal winter. But, he says, the most challenging survival time is still ahead.

---

Information from: Daily Record, http://www.kvnews.com