Manitoba wildfires taking a toll on province’s wildlife, experts say

The wildfires across Manitoba are having both an immediate and long-term impact on wildlife, experts say.

At Wildlife Haven in Ile des Chenes, Man., they’re seeing an influx of species of birds they wouldn’t normally see this time of year, including the common nighthawk, an already endangered species.

“Typically we don’t see them at all this time of year,” Wildlife Haven’s rehab manager Carter Phillips told Global News.

“So the fact that we have two in care, two that just came in, and four more potentially on the way is raising some alarm bells.”

Phillips says it’s likely due to the nighthawks, along with other species of birds and wildlife, being pushed out of their natural habitat due to the ongoing wildfires.

“They’re seeking refuge elsewhere,” he said. “And as they’re coming more