The Other Vulnerable Populations - Our Furry (and Scaly) Friends

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Source:  National Geographic (NationalGeographic.com)
Photographer: Noah Berger, EPA

Now more than ever, we are at the whims of an increasingly unpredictable climate. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of disasters such as extreme heat, droughts, and wildfires. While humans are looking for innovative ways to shield ourselves from the effects, animals still remain extremely vulnerable. Right now we are in wildfire season and communities all around the world are currently fighting them (take a look at California and Greece as examples). Animals are also facing burns, other injuries, and/or death. According to Accuweather.com there are a few ways that animals are impacted by wildfires:
  • Smaller animals lose their protection. Rodents retreat underground to hide from fires, but once they reemerge after the fire ceases, their regular hiding places (e.g. tall grasses, etc.) are gone, leaving these tiny creatures vulnerable to prey. Even fish are impacted by wildfires because the heat warms up the water, making it inhospitable for them. 
  • Animals can get trapped. Most animals flee when they face danger; however, their exit strategies may not always be successful. Some animals (like koalas) can trap themselves by fleeing up trees (mnn.com). 
Wildfires are not always certain death for animals, but frequent wildfires can cause serious damage to our ecosystem if species become extinct or permanently move away from the impacted areas. For example, if fish die out or move away because of waters that have become too warm, animals that eat these fish are left without food.

Animals that are already endangered are pushed further toward extinction during times of wildfires. For example, the NY Times notes that the Amargosa vole lost a good portion of its remaining habitat in the wildfires in California last year. This is a rare species of voles with only a few hundred in existence today. 50 voles perished and their habitat was destroyed. Additionally, the endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel (native to Arizona) was reduced to 35 from 252 after a wildfire last year.

All too often wildlife is a last thought during times of disasters (including droughts, and general water scarcity). If you want to help animals during wildfires you can contact animal shelters to see what they need. You can find your local humane society using this link. The needs in these shelters will be high as they'll be housing more displaced and injured animals during this season.

Mount Graham Red Squirrel
Source: www.outdoorhub.com

To learn more about how you can help animals during a wildfire check out this link. 
Also, if you're interested to learn more about how animals (and also plants) are impacted by wildfires check out this link.

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