This is fine: Mule deer and elk do not substantially change their behavior in response to active wildfires

Abstract

Wildfires are a major disturbance on the landscape and are increasing in frequency, severity, and size, often reaching megafire status (>100 km² in burned area). Active wildfire can pose an immediate risk of death, alter vegetation and available forage resources, and ultimately affect animal behavior, but the immediate effects of wildfires on ungulate behavior are not well known. Wildfire season typically occurs during late summer, immediately before or during authorized hunting seasons for ungulates in western North America. Changes in ungulate behavior and distribution in response to wildfire could influence the availability of animals for harvest during subsequent hunting seasons. During an outbreak of 7 wildfires in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, USA, in 2024, we analyzed the home range and movement patterns of 35 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and 24 elk (Cervus canadensis) fitted with global positioning system (GPS) collars before, during, and immediately after wildfires and compared them to mule deer and elk that did not experience wildfire over the same time span. Neither species substantially changed their behavior or home range during active wildfires. Mule deer maintained high site fidelity during the wildfire but used their home range more uniformly and had higher daily displacement than deer unaffected by wildfire. Elk affected by wildfire did not change their daily movement patterns but adjusted their home ranges to avoid the wildfire perimeter. With a better understanding of how both species initially react to wildfires, land managers may be able to improve post-wildfire habitat by ensuring areas of refugia from human disturbance (e.g., seasonal road closures) following wildfire. Wildlife managers should be prepared for reduced hunting access in areas closed to public access following wildfire, which may reduce harvest rates of ungulates. Alternatively, if public access is not restricted in post-wildfire landscapes, wildlife managers should assess the potential effects of reduced vegetative cover (i.e., hiding cover) on harvest rates in post-wildfire areas to ensure harvest is sustainable.