Human-Wildlife Interactions: A Growing Issue
Human-wildlife interactions are becoming more common due to the steady encroachment of human settlements into previously wild areas. As urban sprawl continues, animals that once roamed freely in forests, mountains, and other natural habitats are increasingly forced into closer contact with human populations. This has led to more frequent sightings of bears, deer, coyotes, and other wildlife in suburban neighborhoods, parks, and even urban centers. While some of these encounters are harmless, others can cause danger for human beings as well as animals.
Some wild animals are just looking to find food or a place to stay, and they have no intentions of connecting with humans. However, as they come seeking shelter and resources in cities, they might run into people. For instance, bears are known to be opportunistic feeders, and their diet consists of berries, roots, insects, and even small mammals. Yet, they also get attracted to human food sources like trash, bird feeders, or pet food. When a bear finds food in a human environment, it tends to return over and over again, creating more frequent interactions with humans.
Such interactions can be intimidating, especially when such large predators are involved. However, it should be remembered that such animals are not necessarily dangerous. Bears, like most wild animals, are usually more concerned with survival than harming humans. However, if they feel threatened, cornered, or startled, they can become aggressive. This is why it is very important for everyone to know what to do when they meet a bear or any other wild animal, most especially in scenarios where the animal may feel threatened or provoked.
