FIRE-DISPLACED WILDLIFE READJUSTS EXPERTS ADVISE NEIGHBORS TO TRY TO LEAVE ANIMALS ALONE.

Byline: RICK COCA

Staff Writer

As firefighters watered down hot spots Thursday to fully contain the Griffith Park Fire, rangers and wildlife experts turned their attention to the many animals that roam the sprawling park grounds.

Fire officials today hope to announce full containment of the blaze, which scorched an estimated 817 acres and threatened homes and historic landmarks in the park before it was brought under control.

The park itself, all its golf courses, the Los Angeles Zoo and all other attractions will be closed today. The Greek Theatre will remain closed, but its scheduled performance tonight will take place in the Gibson Ampitheatre (formerly Universal).

After the fire started Tuesday afternoon, the fast-moving flames and smoke sent deer, coyotes and cottontail rabbits scurrying for safer ground. Within 48 hours, the 4,218-acre park's animals had lost about 20 percent of their habitat.

"This is spring time in the park, and there are many animals with babies and birds with nests," said Albert Torres, city Park Ranger Division chief. "This is a time of heightened activity for the animal kingdom in Griffith Park."

Torres said it's difficult to estimate the number of birds, animals and reptiles killed in the fire, but he doesn't think it was highly significant.

"What we lost was habitat," Torres said.

"It will affect food sources. However, I would urge the public ... to not feed the wildlife," Torres said. "It is not to their benefit and could cause problems."

Torres said there were some reports of wildlife in the neighborhoods surrounding the park.

His rangers are on the alert for animals like deer, which roam in patterns, but when confused and frightened, can stray and wander into somebody's backyard.

"One of the things that we want to do is stay out of the way of wildlife."

Torres said he has already seen some hopeful signs that nature will take its course in the park -- for example, spotting his first oriole of the season.

Wendell Bowers, captain in the city's Department of Animal Services, said his agency is urging residents to be patient and show restraint if they spot a wild animal in their neighborhood.

On Wednesday, residents near Marshall High School had a chance to test that advice after spotting a prowling bobcat.

"Actually, we had two dozen deer that ended up on the golf course, which is good. ... Once it cools, they'll find those little islands (in the mountains) that didn't burn and move back in," Bowers said..

"If they stay on the greens (for now), other than the golfers getting upset, they should be OK."

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A coyote walks through Griffith Park on Wednesday after fleeing flames in this week's wildfire. Officials said the 4,218-acre park's animals lost about 20 percent of their habitat and should be left alone while they readjust.

David McNew/Getty Images