The biggest effect wildfire has on wildlife is habitat modification. Immediately after a fire, dead and dying trees and shrubs result in a loss of shelter. Tender understory plants and shrubs that provide food are lost, and this loss often causes wildlife to move away to areas where food, water, and shelter are more readily available.
Over time, dead and dying trees will become snags for cavity-nesting birds and animals. Other trees will fall onto the forest floor and become habitat for animals and insects, while understory plants resprout or seed in to provide food and cover.
