By paNOW

Wildfire comes at a bad time for young wildlife

May 19, 2018 | 12:00 PM

The wildfire burning west of Prince Albert has come at a bad time for wildlife.

Springtime means there are young ungulates and birds that will have been lost in the blaze.

“Deer, elk and moose [will be impacted] and the young will be quite small and more vulnerable,” Conservation Officer Rich Hildebrand told paNOW. “Any young birds or nests with eggs in them would have been lost. Some animals that can’t get away, do die in the fire and the smoke.”

Hildebrand said it was possible there could be increased or unusual animal movement due to the 2,500-hectare blaze south of Holbein and southwest of Crutwell, but his office had not received reports of this. paNOW has heard from some motorists who’ve noticed an increase in wildlife on the nearby highway and roads but Hildebrand said this was the time of year for increased animal movement anyway.

While wildlife mortality is a reality of wildlife, Hildebrand said the fire is a natural part of the rejuvenation cycle, although humans aren’t part of that.

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“There is no place for unplanned fires caused by humans. We don’t want people starting them.”

There is an extensive fire ban on Crown lands and most provincial parks and the public is advised to check with their local municipality regarding open burn restrictions.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow