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Mountain Mahogany Panorama > Animal Populations Fluctuate
Deer and elk will quickly move into an area and feed on newly sprouting vegetation.
Deer and elk will quickly move into an area and feed on newly sprouting vegetation.		 Animal Populations Fluctuate

One of the first questions asked, after a fire, is “what about the animals.” Most research suggests, that most animals are not affected directly by the fire, but that secondary effects occur because of destruction of habitat *(USFS, 1992).

So, let’s get specific. What kind of animals can we expect to find (or not find) after a fire? Some animals are fire intolerant (temporarily disappear), fire impervious (remain unaffected), fire adapted (tolerant of low-intensity fires) or are fire dependent (depend on fire) *(USFS, 1992). Fires not only create a change in the food that is available, but also alter cover, shelter and breeding habitat.

Deer mice are one of the first animals to appear after a fire. If looked at in a logical sense, dependent on deer mice are predators like fox and birds of prey. The increase in a prey base, naturally would see an increase in the number of predators. Many big game animals also increase following a fire because of newly sprouting plants and an increase in forest openings for movement. Sage grouse, as well as wild turkey are dependent on periodic fire for habitat, while species such as northern Goshawk, which depend on old growth forests, will see a temporary decline in populations.

From a human point of view, it may seem best to manage for the more charismatic species like deer, elk and goshawk. However, realizing that each individual is connected and dependent on another organism, makes a strong argument for biological diversity and the existence of many age-classes and forest types, that have been maintained historically by fire. “Each species has its’ day,” said Ron Rodriquez, USFS Wildlife Biologist.

*Bradley, A.F., Noste, N.V., William, C.F. 1992. Fire Ecology of Forests and Woodlands of Utah. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, General Technical Report INT-287.

Also see;

Large landscape burns, like the Sanford, reduce the likelihood that big game and livestock will ‘overgraze’ an area; however, resource personnel still keep close tabs on returning vegetation.
Large landscape burns, like the Sanford, reduce the likelihood that big game and livestock will ‘overgraze’ an area; however, resource personnel still keep close tabs on returning vegetation.