Because large mammals can travel great distances in a short amount of time, they could quickly return to the blast area to search for food. They could also leave if conditions were not suitable. The elk have had unusually high birth rates and the herds at Mount St. Helens are larger than usually found in other areas of western Washington State. This has happened because they have had lots of food, mild winters, and they have not been disturbed by people. They scavenge for berries, insects and rodents.
Beaver dams create pools that become habitat for many other animals.
This has helped the young fish, who thrive in the rich, warm waters.