Certain wildlife populations thriving

An upshot to the out-migration of humans from rural North Dakota is the subsequent increase in wildlife populations, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

While animals with special care programs—like whitetail deer and pheasants—continue to prosper despite their status as hunted species, it is the lesser known wildlife that are beginning to thrive on the northern prairie, officials say; for example, pallid sturgeon, piping plovers and Baird's sparrows.

This pattern will likely continue, according to the Wildlife Service, and may have unintended positive consequences for the state.