Urban Wildlife

Urban Wildlife Conflict and Welfare

Human-wildlife conflict in urban areas causes welfare harm through lethal management of animals expressing natural behaviors near people.

Key Facts

Urban foxes, deer, coyotes, and raccoons face lethal management for human-wildlife conflict
Most urban wildlife conflict stems from attractants like food and garbage
Non-lethal deterrents are effective and welfare-positive alternatives to killing
Community education reduces conflict by changing human behavior rather than managing wildlife

Welfare Considerations

Urban wildlife killed in human-wildlife conflicts typically have done nothing beyond expressing natural behavior in landscapes humans have altered to attract them. Lethal management without addressing attractants fails to resolve conflict. Community education programs that reduce attractants, provide secure waste management, and teach wildlife coexistence reduce conflict without welfare harm to wildlife.

What You Can Do

Secure garbage bins and compost to reduce urban wildlife attractants
Support non-lethal wildlife deterrent programs in your city
Advocate for community education rather than lethal management for urban wildlife
Never intentionally feed urban wildlife that creates conflict