 Many people enjoy listening to the early morning melodies of songbirds. Have you ever been dazzled watching bats in the evening sky as they search for food? Wildlife endlessly amaze people. However, our winged friends and other wildlife species can be vulnerable to human activities such as the installation of water developments. Wildlife will drink or bathe in water developments. Their safety can be jeopardized when there is no method to escape or the water is low. Land managers have recognized the need to install reliable wildlife escape ramps. A few considerations for building and installing inexpensive escape ramps include Extending ramps to the wall of the trough to enable animals swimming around to find the ramp Extend ramps to the floor to allow animals access to the ramp when water levels are low Secure ramps to the rim of the trough Ramps should have a slope no greater than 45 degrees to allow animals to climb out with relative ease And install a ramp every 20 linear feet along the perimeter To learn more about wildlife escape ramps and considerations when building and installing them Contact your local extension office From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Wendy Kelly, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming