Wildlife Run for Their Lives as Fierce California Wildfires Spread
Andrea Powell
Raging wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres in Southern California and continue to spread. Countless lives and habitats are being destroyed.
Firefighters are tirelessly working to contain the fires on the ground and with aircraft support, but they are also battling high winds that are fueling the fires.
Over 180,000 people have evacuated and another 200,000 are under evacuation warnings as the "unpredictable" fire situation continues.
People and pets aren't the only ones fleeing the out-of-control fires, as wildlife is seen running for their lives.
A mountain lion and her two cubs were spotted running along Topanga Canyon Boulevard away from the flames.
NBC Bay Area shared heartbreaking footage of a baby deer was seen running alone down a road in Altadena to escape the fire.
Pasadena Humane has taken in several burned animals, including a peacock and an orphaned baby raccoon. They are caring for these terrified animals in their Wildlife Center and ask anyone who comes across an injured wild animal to text their wildlife helpline at 626.344.1129.
Wildlife Care of Southern California, who is also taking in injured wildlife, posted, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is in the wake of this unprecedented fire storm. For the rest of us please remember the Wildlife and leave gates open for them to pass through and if they take up temporary residence in your yard, just leave them alone and give them some time to figure out what their next step is."
The smoke-filled air is also a health concern for people and animals. Wildlife organizations are asking locals to please leave out water for terrified and exhausted animals fleeing the fires.
How You Can Help
Injured and burned animals emerge from the catastrophic fires in need of medical care.
Join us in helping these poor animals get the medical care they need and provide nutritious pet food to help them recover. Greater Good Charities’ Disaster Response team is distributing survival supplies and pet food to desperate families and animals. They are working with our shelter partners in the L.A. area to support medical care for burned pets.
