How is Wildlife Affected by Wildfires? How Can We Help?

Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem in the western United States, and wildlife has a long relationship with it. 

Owl hunting over a wildlife. Image by Jeffery Adams.USFW

Animals have a honed sense of danger, so when a wildfire occurs, most animals sense it and can run away or stand in streams to avoid the hazard. Smaller animals take cover in logs, under rocks, or by burying themselves in the dirt. Another positive impact from wildfires is that some species, like the jack pine, rely on fire to release their seeds. Ashes that the fire leaves behind fertilize the soil for the seeds can grow. 

 So there are benefits to wildfires. However, we can all agree that the wildfires in recent years are becoming more intense- and more frequent.

According to a blog presented by National Wildlife Federation:

. . .these megafires burn through built-up dead vegetation, caused in part by overly aggressive fire suppression practices, can burn so hot that it damages the root systems that hold soil in place. This can increase the risk of erosion and runoff when rains return. The runoff and associated mudslides can damage the streams, rivers, and lakes that fish and other wildlife depend on. Severe megafires can also burn so hot that they destroy native seed banks, which makes it harder for native vegetation to regenerate following a fire. When native vegetation isn’t able to grow back it leaves habitat more vulnerable to invasive species.

Add drought, loss of habitat to development, and invasive plant species into the mix, and our forests are not being given the time to bounce back like they need to for our wildlife. That is where wildlife is hurting most. 

How to help wildlife: 

-Animals will be moving to get away from the fires.  Bring all pets inside at night. 

-Do not put out water or food for wildlife.  Animals are good at sniffing out natural water sources.  When humans provide food and water, wildlife can become habituated and that is when human-wildlife issues can occur- usually resulting in the animal being euthanized. 

- Call your local wildlife rehabilitation if you see a sick or injured wild animal.  

- Volunteer.  Volunteer at your local nature reserves and state parks to help restore native habitats and weed out invasive grasses that choke out native plants and are superb fire fuel.