California Wildfire & Wildlife

Quick note, due to the current devastating California wildfires:

The San Diego Wild Animal Park is closed, according to their web site. The Park is an 1,800 acre wildlife preserve. Broadcast reports on CNN say that endangered species animals have been evacuated, other animals are being sheltered.

While I haven't read anything about current wildlife loss, I have read about small fires from this same area last year. Those reports indicate that oftentimes coyotes, elk, and bears are able to outrun the fire, though most animal deaths are due to smoke inhalation. Other animals often perish, especially smaller low-habitat animals that include ground-nesting birds. However, these fires are so fierce - and historically large - that it is difficult to say what the final toll will be.