What action can help mitigate human-wildlife interactions in urban settings?

Creating public awareness campaigns about living with wildlife is an essential action for mitigating human-wildlife interactions in urban settings. Such campaigns educate the community about the behaviors of local wildlife and the potential risks associated with interactions. Education can inform residents on how to coexist with wildlife, such as securing trash, not feeding animals, and understanding wildlife habits. This proactive approach can lead to behavioral changes among residents, ultimately reducing the chances of negative encounters between humans and wildlife.

In contrast, encouraging wildlife feeding by residents can lead to dependency of wildlife on human-provided food, bringing animals into closer contact with people and increasing the likelihood of dangerous interactions. Reducing green spaces in urban areas can limit wildlife habitats, but it does not necessarily address the existing interactions already occurring. Limiting public access to urban wildlife areas may seem like a protective measure; however, it does not educate the community or create sustainable solutions for coexistence, nor does it prevent wildlife from entering residential areas.