Urban Wildlife

Welfare of Animals in Urban Wildlife Management

Urban wildlife management agencies increasingly face calls to incorporate welfare considerations alongside public safety and ecological management goals.

Key Facts

Urban wildlife management historically prioritized human safety over animal welfare
Non-lethal management tools are available for most urban wildlife conflicts
City wildlife agencies vary enormously in their welfare orientation and capacity
Community education programs reduce human-wildlife conflict significantly
Cities like San Francisco and Seattle have adopted progressive wildlife management policies

Welfare Considerations

Urban wildlife management welfare is an emerging policy area where progressive cities are demonstrating that humane approaches are effective and publicly supported. Advocating for welfare-oriented wildlife management policies in your city has direct impacts on millions of urban animals.

What You Can Do

Engage with your city wildlife management agency about welfare criteria
Support non-lethal management approaches as the default urban wildlife response
Donate to organizations advocating for progressive urban wildlife policies
Participate in public comment processes for local wildlife management plans