Wildfires

Wildfires - British Columbia, Canada

Hungry and homeless: B.C. wildfires are forcing bears out of critical habitats. While many people across the province have been forced to flee their homes due to wildfires, so too have wildlife. Fires rip through forests, destroying habitats and burning food sources.

When a bear is forced out of its territory, it will move in search of a new home. However, that new home may already be inhabited, at which point the bears will fight each other to lay claim to the patch of land. Usually, the weaker bear will be pushed further away in search of food, creating a ripple effect, according to Langen, until it wanders into an urban area, sniffing out garbage cans for food. This represents a danger to the public and to the bear.

Numerous bears have been treated at wildlife sanctuaries and societies for dehydration and malnutrition caused by the wildfires. A number of animals have also died.