Many Sisters-area wildlife flee wildfire to safety

The Pole Creek Fire has taken a toll on the wildlife in the area south of Sisters, forcing many out their natural habitat.

Wildlife experts say wildfire smoke can make the animals nervous and confused, and sometimes separate the young from their mothers, and from the eyes of humans.

But they have some advice and warnings for you before you try and help injured or abandoned wildlife.

“Central Oregon is just filled with wildlife,” Tracy Leonhardy, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with Wildside Rehab in Bend, said Friday. “You have to remember the animals were here first.”

In times of distress, a larger number of wild animals such as raccoons and deer will become separated from their packs.

“The animals are moving away from the immediate path of the (Pole Creek) Fire,” said Leonhardy. “So we may see some more animals in the west side of Sisters.”

“Deer are moving into people’s yards maybe a little bit more than they normally do,” she added.

Wildlife experts say if you see an injured or abandoned animal that though they might seem friendly, human interaction should not be viewed as normal.

“They are absolutely wild animals — they are not pets at all,” said Leonhardy. “Even with the animals we have in rehab that we’ve handled, we have to take safety precautions.”

“They are wild, they will bite,” said Leonhardy. “They will kick, the deer will strike at you. You don’t want to get bit.”

Rehab centers like Wildside do their best to take care of the animals and gradually work on releasing them back into the wild.

This is a task only for those licensed in the field, and the best thing for you to do when you see an animal in distress is to simply call the right authority.

“Just don’t mess with it — don’t handle them,” Leonhardy said.

Another thing they warn is if you have a “pesky” animal bothering you, do not kill it. There are ways to trap the animal and re-release it safely.

Wildside Rehab says they could always use volunteer, but as you can imagine, the cost of running the rehab can add up.

If you’d like to help, contact them at:
Website: http://www.wildsiderehab.com/
phone:(541) 280-7317

Other organizations:
Bend office of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 541-388-6363
Wildside rehab in Bend Oregon 541-280-7317
Humane Society of Central Oregony 541-382-3537