CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A state survey of deer deaths in the Nugget Canyon area of southwest Wyoming found eight carcasses, a dramatic decrease from the 382 found last year.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that mild temperatures and a lack of snow last winter contributed to the lower death rate.

Biologists expect 80 to 90 percent of fawns from the Wyoming Range and Sublette herds to survive this year, compared with 35 to 60 percent last winter.

Bucks are growing earlier and larger antlers this year. Biologists say a mild winter allows bucks to expend less energy on survival and more on antler growth.

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