Fires in Los Angeles: Animals, silent victims

As flames devour entire sections of the city, another crisis looms in the shadows: the fate of animals. Wildlife and pets are facing an unprecedented ordeal.

The fires forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, taking with them what they could. Pets were among the first to be evacuated, creating a wave of displacement to other cities. Emergency shelters were set up to take in abandoned or lost pets.

Wildlife, meanwhile, faces a survival challenge. Forced to abandon their natural habitats, they often find themselves disoriented and vulnerable. Images of deer, coyotes and other wild animals roaming the streets have moved the world.

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In the face of this crisis, solidarity is being organized. Volunteers are mobilizing to rescue animals, feed them and care for them. Animal protection associations are coordinating efforts to find lost animals and return them to their owners.

The authorities are calling on the population to be vigilant and to report any presence of animals in distress. It is also important to remember that wild animals, even if helpless, can represent a danger. It is therefore advisable not to approach them.

The consequences of these fires on local flora and fauna are still difficult to assess. It will take years for the damaged ecosystems to recover.

Animals, silent witnesses to this catastrophe, remind us of the urgency of protecting biodiversity and better preparing cities for extreme events linked to climate change.

Angelique EKAMAN Stg