After the Cameron Peak Fire burned more than 200,000 acres, Coloradans are celebrating the sight of thriving wildlife.

Break out the confetti and celebrate great news following the Cameron Peak Fire. While conducting a survey, biologist Angelique Curtis captured elk herds across Larimer County. 

As Curtis set out on the helicopter flight, her task was to "assess the health of the animals following the Cameron Peak Fire." She was also able to "obtain population demographic data to effectively and sustainably manage elk herds in Larimer County."

"There are portions where you hear how the biologist counts them out (3:30 mark) and she also describes the process in her interview (3:10 mark)." -Jason Clay

Larimer County has months and years of recovery ahead. Though Coloradans are already optimistic about how the land will recover, and the local camaraderie has never been stronger. 

During the video, Aero Tech, Inc. chief pilot Cameron Stallings also "talks about the animal welfare aspects they consider in the air during the short duration of disturbances to the animals, which are warranted by the important biological information that is gathered from the survey."

On August 13, 2020, the Cameron Peak Fire started in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near Cameron Pass and Chambers Lake. Due to a number of factors including rugged terrain, the fire spread through forests quickly. Trees affected and killed by the years of pine beetle infestation were quick fuel for the growing fire. Incredible efforts by fire staff and officials allowed the Cameron Peak Fire to reach 100 percent containment on December 2, 2020, after burning for 112 days.

What do you think of the video capturing elk on the mountaintop? Share in the comments below.