wildlife

Officials warned that feeding and approaching wildlife in Yosemite is illegal, in order to protect wildlife and ensure human safety.

"So I can tell you on the wildlife side, we've actually had a very active H5N1 year, and a lot of outbreaks in the U.S. in wildlife," she told Salon in a video interview.

She also pointed to the wildlife, including deer, that come through the area and the nearby wash.

In the days after the fire, Ms Sampson and a group of naturalists surveyed the land to assess the potential impact of the wildlife.

Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, head of animal welfare and wildlife research at the charity World Animal Protection, said the decision was "unexpected but rational".