In California, climate change is leading to an unforeseen consequence: increased human-wildlife conflicts. The prolonged drought conditions, exacerbated by climate change, are intensifying these encounters, according to recent research.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that clashes between humans and wildlife, notably carnivores, rise following extended periods of low rainfall. Researchers examined nearly 32,000 human-wildlife interaction reports submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2017 to 2023. These reports included depredation incidents, anticipated conflicts, general sightings, and nuisance reports not involving property damage, with over 60 animal species documented.
Researchers utilized a statistical method to correlate annual and monthly precipitation changes with fluctuations in reported conflicts, as explained by Kendall Calhoun, a postdoctoral researcher and wildlife ecologist at the University of California, Los Angeles and University of California Davis. The study found the most significant conflict increases were with mountain lions, coyotes, and bobcats.
Although the study did not include data on actual attacks or injuries, it focused on property damage and nuisance reports. The surge in conflicts is likely driven by wildlife seeking water and food during droughts, Calhoun noted.
“There isn’t water available, so species that actually need drinking water will need to either expand their home ranges or move how they use the habitat to find areas that do have water,” Calhoun explained.
With less water available, plant life diminishes, leading to fewer food sources for herbivores and, consequently, carnivores. This scarcity may push animals to target easier prey like livestock, according to Calhoun.
Calhoun, who has a deep-rooted passion for wildlife conservation in California, was motivated to explore how climate change affects wildlife management and human perceptions of wildlife.
While droughts are a natural part of California’s climate, the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard reports that human-induced climate change is worsening these conditions. Warming temperatures and reduced precipitation are contributing to more frequent extreme droughts in the region.
Calhoun suggests that both humans and wildlife are altering their behaviors due to drought. Additionally, people’s perceptions of wildlife might be shifting during droughts, leading to more frequent reports of interactions.
“What once was maybe was seen as benign — having some wildlife species on your property — could be interpreted as something more,” Calhoun said. “People perceive that interaction as conflict instead of something neutral.”
Conflict with carnivores poses a “prominent conservation issue” due to their ecological significance, the economic impact of conflicts, and common stigmatization. The researchers emphasize that future conservation success depends on understanding the link between climate change and human-wildlife conflict as global climate effects accelerate.
These findings act as an “early warning” of the indirect challenges posed by climate change, Calhoun stated.
“There is definitely a relationship between climate change and human wildlife conflict here in California, and we can show that as droughts happen or as precipitation decreases,” Calhoun said.
Original Story at abc7.com