Wildfires are a powerful force of nature. They can reshape landscapes around the world and cause a lot of destruction and devastation.
And while wildfires in open, forested areas play a key role in restoring and reinvigorating the ecosystem, blazes that reach urban settings have brought more attention to fire prevention and fire management strategies.
Learn more as Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae-Wynn Grant discuss the increasing occurrence of wildfires, including how wildlife adapt to these challenging conditions through remarkable survival strategies and resilience.
Heartbreaking scenes
The scenes from fire-stricken urban areas, such as those from the 2025 Southern California fires, are heartbreaking. Peter and Dr. Rae are both residents of California and know many people who were affected by the life-changing wildfires.
“The personal loss was unimaginable,” Peter said. “Gradually homes will be rebuilt and lives will return to normal, but it takes time. I heard the same message from many people who lost their homes, ‘at least we were able to escape and we will somehow rebuild.’ But sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.”
To help prevent future destructive fires in Southern California, officials plan to expand fire prevention efforts such as controlled burns, improved management of brush and undergrowth and increased community education about fire safety. These strategies aim to reduce wildfire risks and protect both residents and natural habitats.
Wildfires can help spur rebirth
When wildfires aren’t threatening towns or cities, they can be good for the environment. Because of the benefit to the ecosystem, regions in Canada and Alaska even have a policy to let fires burn if there isn’t a risk to populated areas.
Naturally occurring wildfires bring renewal to nature by removing dead and decaying material that builds up over time. This allows for the growth of smaller plants that would otherwise be stunted by dense material on the ground and allows animals access to nutrients in the soil.
“Many indigenous groups developed ways to sustainably use fire to manage landscapes for regeneration purposes,” Dr. Rae said.
In more modern times, the 1988 wildfires in Yellowstone National Park, triggered by a lightning strike, show how an ecosystem can flourish after a fire.
“When the forests started to regenerate, the wildlife returned. After the wildfire, beavers had new growth of softwood trees near rivers to build dams, elk and moose had leaves and twigs for nourishment and numerous other species had the invaluable cover they needed to survive,” Peter said. “Yellowstone’s natural rebirth became a symbol of nature’s cycle of recovery.”
Read “Beaver Conservation in the Pacific Northwest” to learn how conservationists are helping beavers in the Pacific Northwest reclaim an area following a 2014 fire that destroyed their habitat. Hint: they’re doing quite well.
Bountiful habitat is key for long-term success
When wildfires close in on wildlife, they have the same course of action as humans — flee the area. Some instinctively take cover in burrows or move to wetlands or bodies of water, while those with wings simply fly away from danger.
Wildlife have survived and adapted for thousands of years in the face of wildfires. The key for a species’ success is bountiful habitat that allows them to not only survive but thrive. Due to wildfires, deforestation and other environmental factors, preserving natural habitats is more important than ever.
“Because we’re seeing more wildfires today, habitats are being destroyed more often,“ Dr. Rae said. “And in a world where wildlife habitat is diminishing and becoming more fragmented, safe, abundant habitat is critical and can make all the difference in long-term survival of a species.”
How to help wildlife affected by wildfires
Many wild animals may pass through urban areas that aren’t experiencing natural disasters. If you spot a wild animal wandering into your area, don’t approach it, even it if seems injured. Dr. Rae suggests taking a photo of the animal from a safe distance and calling the local wildlife authorities or rescue center immediately with your location.
Watch the Mutual of Omaha’s Protecting the Wild episode “Bear Cub Rescue” to see the amazing story of two bear cubs that were saved and rehabilitated after wildfires raged through the Pacific Northwest. Also, read a behind-the-scenes story on how this episode came to life.
