With roughly 20 wildfires burning across Oregon, many people are concerned about their effects on wildlife.
Lauren DuRocher is a public information officer for the Middle Fork Complex. She says generally, folks shouldn’t worry about the animals.

“Fire is a natural disturbance that happens on the landscape," DuRoche told KLCC. "So wildlife, they have their own methods that handle that natural disturbance of fire so, they usually are able to flee the area or burrow down, or fly away.
"So it does work out generally, that wildlife is able to get out ahead of the fire.”
Meanwhile, groups like Think Wildlife are urging people to be aware of increased forays by animals into populated areas, during wildfire season.
Residents can leave out water, but are advised to leave wandering animals alone.
Copyright 2021, KLCC.