‘Definitely unprecedented’: Vermont wildlife also affected by historic flooding

A fawn crosses US Route 2 near Montpelier Vermont, USA, as floodwaters from the Winooski River began to cover the road this week. Photograph: John Lazenby/Alamy

The toll to wildlife from climate crisis-related weather events is an area that often gets overlooked in their immediate aftermath. But after the flooding in Vermont this week, previous weather calamities – including Tropical Storm Irene, in 2011 – can offer some clues.

Fish in Vermont’s rivers, primarily species of trout – brook, rainbow and brown – have been found to move upriver during increased water flow to less turbulent areas, including tributaries or flooded fields, or find refuge behind fallen trees or rocks.