Florida Wildfires Displace Wildlife Into Towns, and No Hotel Will House 75 Squirrels
Wildfires tearing across North Central Florida have burned more than 15,000 acres — and the animals fleeing those flames are showing up in places they don’t belong. Displaced wildlife is pouring into rural communities, competing for food and shelter and creating conflicts with humans who never expected them.
“There will be wildlife on wildlife conflict, there will be human wildlife conflict where there’s more animals than an area can sustain because wildlife has fled these fire-impacted areas,” said Becky Goodman with Secret Squirrel Wildlife Rehabilitation, per WCJB.
The Florida Forest Service reported 107 active wildfires on Monday, April 27, with no rain in sight to break the drought causing the fires.
Crowded, Hungry and Nowhere for the Animals to Go
Goodman says it’s common for displaced animals to gather in shared spaces, but they can be severely impacted by competition for food, water and shelter as well as more frequent encounters with people.
And unlike dogs or cats, evacuating wild animals is not straightforward.
“Between fires, hurricanes, floods, we all know what it’s like to be in that situation where you have wildlife … being evacuated isn’t like any other animal being evacuated, it’s not like dogs and cats, no hotel is going to put me and 75 squirrels up,” Goodman said.
Rehabbers Are Stretched Thin Amid Wildfires
Goodman’s operation covers far more ground than her home base.
“So it may seem like there’s not a lot of fire in Gainesville, but Gainesville rehabbers are covering Clay County and Bradford County … we’re in all of these communities that have wildlife that is at risk, we’re getting all of those animals as well,” Goodman said.
With a limited number of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in the region, many are taking in more animals than usual and bracing for fire-related injuries including burns and smoke inhalation.
“There’s really no time off for wildlife rehabbers and so everyone is taking animals in … making sure that we have everything lined up for potential burn victims and animals who may have smoke inhalation issues,” she said.
How to Help Animals Without Making Things Worse
Goodman points out that even though wildlife sightings may increase, people shouldn’t try to handle animals on their own. A better way to help is by putting out shallow dishes of water and leaving small amounts of food — such as pet kibble or plain vegetables — in safe outdoor spaces. If an animal appears hurt or in trouble, she advises contacting trained professionals through Animal Help Now. She also suggests getting in touch with local wildlife rehabilitators to see what they need or supporting efforts by donating through the Secret Squirrel Wildlife Rehabilitation Facebook page.
Horse Farms Had to Evacuate Too
When the fires began earlier this month, WINK reported neighborhoods near the Picayune Strand State Forest were forced to evacuate horse farms and ranches.
“In the horse community, all pull together to get everyone safe and make sure everyone is in a safe place,” Patty Carnes, who had to evacuate her horse, said.
Shore Acres Farm owners Mike and Janie Yag stepped up, allowing displaced residents and their animals to take shelter.
“We have to all pull together and take care of those animals, because they can’t take care of themselves,” Janie said.
“When tragedy strikes, you gotta pull together,” Mike added.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
