Alberta wildlife return to ravaged Waterton park

Animals chased from their natural habitatby smoke and flame have found their way back home toa dramatically alteredWatertonLakes National Park.

Now the survivors are faced with the challenging task of finding new food sources and shelter in their fire-ravaged landscape.

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The "rapid growth and extreme fire behaviour" exhibited by theKenowwildfire created an "unprecedented situation," killing many wildlife in the park, said Parks Canada in a release.

But healthy animals, includingelk, deer, moose, bears and sheep, have recentlybeen observed within the fire area.

Parks Canada staff say they are looking for seriously wounded animals and areeuthanizing those with injuries that are not survivable or treatable.

Animal carcasses are being left on the landscape to provide food for surviving carnivores and scavengers, Parks Canada said.

Authorities will continue to observe the long-term effects of this fire on wildlife.

They say fire has always been part of the natural cycle that has shaped the habitat and vegetation, and they expect the flora and fauna in the park to respond in a positive way in the long run.

In the meantime, authorities urge residents and visitors to take extra precautions around park wildlife manyare under exceptional stress and may act abnormally as a result.