Yolo County Sheriff's Office Animal officer Tim Share rescues an injured horse following the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Despite social media posts asking to leave out water, a California Fish and Wildlife spokesman asked residents to leave wildlife alone. less
Yolo County Sheriff's Office Animal officer Tim Share rescues an injured horse following the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Despite social media posts asking to leave out water, ... more
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
Sheriffs yell to drivers to evacuate the area off of Pentz Road during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Sheriffs yell to drivers to evacuate the area off of Pentz Road during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
Mic McCrary, 27, sits on a motorized go-cart that he used to rescue his two dogs, pictures, as the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home with 90-year-old Norma Weldon and her son, Brad, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched. less
Mic McCrary, 27, sits on a motorized go-cart that he used to rescue his two dogs, pictures, as the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home ... more
Brad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay inside their home after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched. less
Brad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay inside their home after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his ... more
Officer Randy Law tends to a rescued horse as a wildfire burns in Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Officer Randy Law tends to a rescued horse as a wildfire burns in Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
Firefighter Jose Corona sprays water as flames consume from the Camp Fire consume a home in Magalia, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Firefighter Jose Corona sprays water as flames consume from the Camp Fire consume a home in Magalia, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Photo: Noah Berger / Associated Press
Firefighters work on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.
Firefighters work on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.
Photo: John Locher, AP
Araya Cipollini cries near the remains of her family's home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly town of Paradise has grown and destroyed more than 6,700 buildings, almost all of them homes, making it California's most destructive wildfire since record-keeping began. But crews have made gains and the fire is partially contained, officials said Saturday. less
Araya Cipollini cries near the remains of her family's home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly town of Paradise has grown ... more
Krystin Harvey, left, comforts her daughter Araya Cipollini at the remains of their home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly town of Paradise has grown and destroyed more than 6,700 buildings, almost all of them homes, making it California's most destructive wildfire since record-keeping began. But crews have made gains and the fire is partially contained, officials said Saturday. less
Krystin Harvey, left, comforts her daughter Araya Cipollini at the remains of their home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly ... more
Photo: John Locher, AP
A firefighter sprays water on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.
A firefighter sprays water on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.
Photo: John Locher, AP
Brad Weldon looks at a charred U-Haul that was burnt inside a storage unit facility after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
Brad Weldon looks at a charred U-Haul that was burnt inside a storage unit facility after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
Mic McCrary, 27, shuts the sliding glass door of his home behind him before checking out damage around the neighborhood after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home with 90-year-old Norma Weldon and her son, Brad, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched. less
Mic McCrary, 27, shuts the sliding glass door of his home behind him before checking out damage around the neighborhood after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, ... more
The sun rises above the East Bay hills through a smoky haze in Berkeley, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Air quality in the region remains unhealthy while smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County continues to drift to the south. less
The sun rises above the East Bay hills through a smoky haze in Berkeley, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Air quality in the region remains unhealthy while smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County continues to ... more
A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures.
A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some
Abandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading wildfire has ripped through the town of Paradise, charring 18,000 acres and destroying dozens of homes in a matter of hours. The fire is currently at zero containment.
Abandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading
A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. less
A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets ... more
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. less
A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets ... more
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
The Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. less
The Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned ... more
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. less
A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets ... more
The massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities in Northern California have ordered mandatory evacuations in a rural area where the wildfire has grown to 1,000 acres (405 hectares) amid hot and windy weather. (David Little/Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) less
The massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities in Northern ... more
Photo: David Little, AP
Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky above the Butte College sig in Oroville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky above the Butte College sig in Oroville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Don Thompson, AP
Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.
Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.
Photo: Twitter
Nicole Kowalczyke of Chico stepped outside to look at smoke from the Camp Fire Thursday morning, and a singed piece of paper fell from the sky.
Nicole Kowalczyke of Chico stepped outside to look at smoke from the Camp Fire Thursday morning, and a singed piece of paper fell from the sky.
Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Don Thompson, AP
Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Don Thompson, AP
Jim and Irene Cooper get out of their vehicle after evacuating from Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Jim and Irene Cooper get out of their vehicle after evacuating from Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
After evacuating from her home in Paradise, Angie Waltmon wipes away a tear while watching Camp Fire from along Highway 191 in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
After evacuating from her home in Paradise, Angie Waltmon wipes away a tear while watching Camp Fire from along Highway 191 in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
View of the Camp Fire taken by a resident of nearby Chico. Nov. 8, 2018
View of the Camp Fire taken by a resident of nearby Chico. Nov. 8, 2018
Photo: Nicole Kowalczyke
Napa County residents reported seeing smoke from the Camp Fire north of Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2018.
Napa County residents reported seeing smoke from the Camp Fire north of Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Craig Philpott
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.
Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.
Photo: Twitter
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Cal Fire
Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Photo: Twitter / Cal Fire Butte Unit
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Yolo County Sheriff's Office Animal officer Tim Share rescues an injured horse following the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Despite social media posts asking to leave out water, a California Fish and Wildlife spokesman asked residents to leave wildlife alone. less
Yolo County Sheriff's Office Animal officer Tim Share rescues an injured horse following the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Despite social media posts asking to leave out water, ... more
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
Despite the social media posts asking, you don't need to leave water out for wild animals
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Social media posts are asking residents to leave water out for fleeing wild animals in the wake of the California's wildfires.
"If you live anywhere near the fires," the posts usually begin, "please be aware that wild animals are fleeing the fires and they may show up in your yards."
"Please put out buckets of water for them — they are scared, exhausted, and have also lost their homes — they need to refuel," the post continues.
Despite the good intentions behind those who share this message, you shouldn't do this, California Fish and Wildlife spokesman Peter Tira said. These same messages about helping wildlife have previously circulated during other wildfires. A similar post was shared countless times during the Wine Country fires in 2017.
"If you encounter a wild animal in your neighborhood, leave it alone," said Tira last year. "Fire or no fire, just let the animals be."
And that advice still holds true. Buckets of water won't help animals "refuel," as the post says. Instead, you're conditioning them to come to your house and becoming "dependent on people," Tira told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
"You are not doing them a favor by attracting them to dwellings that catch fire," Tira said.
The region's waterways should provide enough to drink for wildlife, and the animals have the ability to adapt and survive, Tira said, meaning leaving water out for them is unnecessary — and inadvisable.
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