What Happens to Wild Animals in a Wildfire?

Wildfires don’t just destroy forests—they also leave wildlife struggling to survive. Fires force animals to flee their habitats, leaving them injured, hungry, and vulnerable to predators.

In the California wildfires, black bears, mountain lions, deer, badgers, and squirrels were among the animals affected. Black bears are particularly at risk since they typically give birth in January, meaning newborn cubs may be unable to escape.

How Animals React to Fire

At the first sign of fire, animals instinctively flee. According to the National Forest Foundation, some mammals run to streams, while others hide under rocks or burrow into the dirt. Small animals face an even greater challenge—without dense vegetation to provide cover, they become easy prey for predators that take advantage of the chaos.

Surviving After the Fire

Even after the flames die down, survival remains difficult. Food sources are often destroyed, forcing animals to wander into unfamiliar areas in search of nourishment. This is why people may see more wildlife in urban or suburban areas following a fire.

How Humans Can Help

If you see a wild animal after a fire, keep your distance—injured animals can be unpredictable. However, leaving out water can be helpful. Experts warn against leaving food, as it may encourage animals to stay instead of relocating to a safer habitat.

In some cases, wildlife rehabilitators can treat injured animals, but in states like California, some rescue centers have had to close due to fires, making wildlife recovery even more challenging.

Wildfires are devastating for humans and animals alike. While many wild creatures have natural survival instincts, habitat destruction and food shortages make recovery a long and difficult process.