Game and Fish is asking the public to watch for wildlife fleeing from the Elk Fire

The numbers of wildlife and vehicle collisions increase during the Fall every year as the dawn and dusk times change. While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Wyoming Game and Fish Public Information Specialist Chrisitna Schmidt said the Elk Fire is a new factor adding to the risk.

Game and Fish report the wildlife mortality rate from the Elk Fire appears to be none as no reports have been made regarding injured or deceased animals due to the fire. Wardens have also been assisting with the fire effort as law enforcement officials, but also keeping an eye out for any injured or dead wildlife.   

Although it is a positive that wildlife appears to be fleeing the fire, it raises the risk that wildlife may be crossing roadways in areas not typically associated with them. 

C. Schmidt

The smoke of the fire is adding to the reduction in visibility in some areas and Schmidt also reminds the public to always anticipate that if one crosses in front of you, at least one more may be waiting to cross.