Drought affecting fish, wildlife

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - Indiana fish and wildlife populations could feel the effects of the drought that's gripping the state for years to come.

Biologists say a lack of moisture is reducing insect populations, causing algae blooms that can kill fish and forcing nocturnal animals to come out during the day in search of water.

Indiana State University professor Rusty Gonser tells the Tribune-Star that the drought's impact on fish and wildlife populations might not be evident for two to five years because conditions now will affect reproductive cycles.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitoring report shows that nearly a quarter of Indiana is experiencing an extreme drought. Purdue University climatologists say most of July is expected to have above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation.