This would be beneficial for species such as elk. Forbs were the most important forage class consumed in fall and winter, along with some graminoids. Controlled burning of aspen provides more browse for deer. Prior to treatment, aspen was too tall for ungulates to reach. These burns appeared to inexpensively provide not only an increased food supply but also increased cover.
Fire can affect forage species utilized.
In summary, fire creates vegetative diversity and therefore enhances wildlife habitat. Optimum benefits occur where fire creates a mosaic pattern of burned and unburned vegetation which provides new growth of nutritional forages, seasonal habitats, and maintenance of vegetation in early stages of succession. Improved habitat and forage increases the carrying capacity of habitats for large mammals.