The headlines for the last couple of months made it sound like all of Canada was burning down! Wildfires in Alberta and BC grabbed early headlines, then Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Ontario made the nightly news! Air quality suffered – at one point we couldn’t see across the lake clearly, the smoke was so thick!
A question emerged as we stood on the dock thinking we should be wearing our N95s – ‘what happens to wildlife when fires sweep through’? Animals, birds, insects would all be affected.
Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem and have been a part of forest ecology for eons. In the past, they were neither good, nor bad, they were just part of the regular cycle. Some species even benefit from the occurrence — trees like Jack Pines rely on fire to help them release their seeds.
Today however, climate change has made wildfires that much worse, burning larger portions of the forests and more intensely. The local June and early July fire ban for us meant only that end of day campfires for the campers were not allowed. It was rather sad not to end the day gathered around a campfire – such an iconic part of the Summer Camp experience. We adapted.
For animals of the forest there will be losses, mostly the very young and the old who cannot outrun a fire. Animals can sense danger — smaller animals will take cover, bigger animals will run, but there are losses.
The other challenge is after the fire has swept through. The loss of habitat and food sources is a big factor in wildlife mortality during this period. Forced to move, animals must find new places to live, and many do not survive post fire.
A wildfire will inflict casualties in the short term, but nature, as we know, has a way of rebounding. We can help too. Habitat restoration can help mitigate fire-related impacts. Once all the fires are out, consider what you can do to help.
