Water is vital for survival on the prairie, and livestock need it as much as any other animal. The U.S. Forest Service provides cattle with stock tanks across the National Grasslands. These tanks are generally made of concrete and metal, and are filled by solar pumps or windmills. However, these tanks are often the only water sources for miles around, and they draw all manner of wildlife. Sadly, birds, snakes, and other small animals often try to drink from these tanks and fall in. Without a means of escape, they drown.
The Comanche National Grassland in southeast Colorado has approximately 600 water tanks that don’t have escape ladders, and CPI is committed to installing these ladders on every tank. Each ladder costs about $8 total (counting materials and installation), and each can save countless lives.
