Salmon
If you’ve tried to order a salmon dinner lately, you’ve likely noticed that the price of your favorite fish may have skyrocketed. This is because water levels in many parts of the country, particularly in Oregon and Washington, are down to about 25% of their normal levels. Phillip Elden explains that this results in hotter water, which is fatal to these fragile fish. Even further detriment comes from soil, exposed sediment, and heat from wildfires.
Pygmy Rabbits
Pygmy rabbits were already endangered when, in 2020, wildfires raged across Washington state. With a known population of just 164 pygmy rabbits, the Washington wildfires decimated the population by wiping out 70 of these tiny and unquestionably adorable creatures, says Phillip Elden.
Sage Grouse
The sage grouse is an animal you may not be familiar with. However, these Turkey-like birds have suffered a crippling 25% drop in their population, which was already as low as 775, since 2020. Wildfires and drought, which ruined much of these animals' breeding grounds, are to blame here.
Spotted Owl
Phillip Elden explains that Northern spotted owls were added to the endangered species list in 1993. Luckily for them, they typically reside in old growth forests. Unfortunately, the latest round of wildfires came after many more, and the Labor Day wildfire in Oregon in 2020 consumed many old-growth habitats that remained.
They say that only you can stop forest fires. While this is not entirely true, Phillip Elden says that responsible fire usage coupled with donations to your local wildlife charity will go a long way toward helping to protect some of our most critically endangered species.
