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Wildfire Activity Could Bring Wildlife To Populated Spaces

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

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.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
/
KLCC
Lauren DuRocher, PIO for the Middle Fork Complex, near Salmon Creek Campground.  The Kwis Fire burned close to the site.

“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. 

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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