Wildfire devastation eliminated wildlife and archaeological preservation in Gila. Recent forest fires penetrated from Snow Lake to West Fork region Burn debris and ash layers visible throughout surveyed areas Wildlife completely absent in burned areas
Recent wildfires burned through the Gila National Forest area — burn debris and ash visible throughout. Near-complete absence of wildlife observed in heavily burned zones during the expedition. The combined impact of flooding and fire is affecting archaeological sites in the region 🔥😔
Key Facts
- Recent forest fires penetrated from Snow Lake to West Fork region
- Burn debris and ash layers visible throughout surveyed areas
- Wildlife completely absent in burned areas
- Only two ravens observed in narrow canyons during entire expedition
- Bear and mountain lion scat found but no live animals seen
- No jaguar evidence found despite being secondary expedition goal
- Flooding and geological fragility destroy archaeological artifacts over millennia
Source: 11 Day Expedition Discovering Ruins in Uncharted New Mexico by Luke Caverns