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Wildfire smoke affects animals in unique ways. Scientists are trying to understand it

Oct 6, 2026 · Ari Daniel

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Wildfire smoke affects animals in unique ways. Scientists are trying to understand it
Olivia Sanderfoot of Cornell University is trying to understand how the smoke billowing off of wildfires is bothering birds — and what can be done to prevent that harm.
Olivia Sanderfoot of Cornell University is trying to understand how the smoke billowing off of wildfires is bothering birds — and what can be done to prevent that harm.

The new field of "smoke ecology" examines how wildfire smoke perturbs wild places and animals — and what might be done to prevent its worst mayhem.

(Image credit: Ari Daniel)

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