Fire and Animal Interactions

If you’re an animal in a wildfire, you have two options: flee or take shelter. It all depends on how fast you are. A tortoise can find protection underground, while deer make a run for it. Trees aren’t the best place to be, so birds would fly away if they weren’t already busy picking off the prey trying to escape.

If you had to pick, you'd probably want to be in the water, although aquatic animals face long-term impacts from wildfire, as increased erosion can reduce water quality. However, streamflow may also bring in woody debris, creating prime real estate for salamanders and fish. On land, fires can enhance habitats by promoting new sprouts and ecosystem diversity.

And ecosystem might be the best word to use when talking about wildfire. Fire is interconnected with water, soil, plants, and animals, with feedbacks going in both directions. It’s also not always bad news, as fire is an important part of the California environment. Ultimately, there will be fire in California; it’s just a matter of what kind.

Source:
Ch 9: Fire In California's Ecosystems 2nd ed

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[californiacat]

I worry about mountain lions. My favorite animal ❤️