By KRWG News
New Mexico – Dry conditions have left southeastern New Mexico with few insects, forcing some of the Mexican free-tail bats that call the area home to move east to Texas and south to Mexico.
From bats to bears, wildlife is feeling the pinch as the state suffers through what is so far the driest year on record.
Summer monsoons are starting to materialize, but the rain has been spotty at best. Meteorologists say some areas of the state are more than 3 inches behind their average precipitation.
Officials at Carlsbad Caverns National Park say bat flights from the cave's entrance have been thin compared to some years.
New Mexico game officials also say they've had a busy summer with bears and other wildlife coming down from the mountains in search for food.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.