The elk can be seen fleeing across the highway from the East Troublesome Fire.
Wildfires are burning in several areas of the state right now, with hundreds of thousands of acres burned. As people rushed to grab what they can and flee the fires, Colorado's wildlife has also tried to find a way out.
Daniel Denning was on his way out of Estes Park on Thursday, October 2, evacuating as smoke and flames from the East Troublesome Fire made their way towards the town. On his way out, Denning was able to catch a herd of elk also evacuating from the fire, as they crossed Highway 34 east of Estes Park.
Elk crossing highway 34 headed east from Estes Park. Taken 90 minutes to go 1.5 miles. #EastTroublesomeFire pic.twitter.com/BbSCsIjtDd
— Daniel Denning (@danielKdenning) October 22, 2020
Denning also shared some pictures he took of the elk as they headed out of town:
Elk hitting the road on US 34 East. #EastTroublesomeFire pic.twitter.com/uyj2VkE7qg
— Daniel Denning (@danielKdenning) October 22, 2020
Other people around the state have also been sharing pictures of animals as they flee the fires:
Heartbreaking... Colorado fires now approaching Rocky Mountain National Park.
— Janice McDonald (@JaniceMcDonald) October 22, 2020
RT @hannahwanebo: I can’t stop thinking about this photo of Estes Park today by Alan Shadduck. The wildlife. The apocalyptic look of it all. It’s haunting. #EastTroublesomeFire https://t.co/pc3Vd9Pvky pic.twitter.com/e2n8gHolPf
I can’t imagine the terror the wildlife must feel. So many moose in the area. 😭😭 #EastTroublesomeFire pic.twitter.com/n8YbWoPfha
— Tracy Dean (@Spotmefive) October 22, 2020
Brush 55 continues to operate on the Cameron Peak Fire. Yesterday, the crew got to appreciate some of the local wildlife. pic.twitter.com/lS7t4mn4qt
— Brighton Fire Rescue (@BrightonFire) October 2, 2020
Residents of nearby towns are being advised that there may be more wildlife in the area looking for a safe place to wait out the fires.
With the devastating fires burning to our west, we are seeing an increase in wildlife in the City. Please drive extra cautious and be alert for potential wildlife. pic.twitter.com/Ks09f2tgRQ
— Fort Collins Police (@FCPolice) October 22, 2020
This man got a happy reunion with his donkey, Ennis, after the Cal-Wood Fire swept through his town and he had to set the donkey free to run to safety:
Colorado man reunited with his donkey, Ennis, after fire swept through his town. from r/aww
Residents who live near fire areas are advised to keep domestic animals inside, to allow wild animals to pass through if need be. They are asked to put out water for the animals. Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not want people to feed wildlife—that is still not advised—however, putting out water is okay in a situation like this the wildfires. The animals can get dehydrated from the dry air and heat, and natural water sources may be dried up, full of ash, or inaccessible due to fire.
Please share any ways you know of to help the wildlife affected by these devasting fires in the comments.
