Public Perceptions of Wildlife in Chicago

New research from the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL, USA found that as a result of reduced human activity during the COVID-19 lockdowns, residents of Chicago were able to observe wildlife significantly more than before 2020. During a stay-at-home order, the Zoo distributed online questionnaires to understand what kinds of wildlife species were living in Chicago, and if the wildlife were occupying certain areas of the city over others. 

Urban wildlife was found to differ between certain parts of the city: in richer and greener neighbourhoods, residents were more likely to see an increase in wildlife presence, especially more preferable species like deer, rabbits, and birds. These experiences with nature may have helped people to cope with the stress of the pandemic, and support for animals in cities is strongly associated with sightings of these "preferable" species. Some pest animals, such as rats, had an increase in sightings after restaurant closures, as these animals were normally able to feed themselves from garbage and other food waste created by humans. Since everyone stayed at home, these animals were left with no choice but to venture into public parks and areas to look for food.

The first stay-at-home orders during 2020 resulted in a phenomenon known as the "Anthropause," in which reduced human activity caused an increase in urban wildlife sightings in major cities, as well as a change in animal behaviour. Studies show that positive experiences with wildlife can benefit physical health, mental health, and happiness; and that frequent wild animal sightings may promote greater interest in urban wildlife, ecosystems, and nature among the general public.

COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns provided a unique opportunity for scientists to measure how a large-scale change in human activity, such as the anthropause, will affect human-wildlife relationships, and to increase support for wildlife. The researchers at the Lincoln Park Zoo found that people with kids were more likely to express support for wildlife, and that more frequent interactions with nature can positively influence public perception of wild animals.

Some examples of ways for residents in cities to connect with nature include public gardens, citizen science initiatives, and the creation of urban wildlife rehabilitation centres (UWRCs).

Public gardens. Gardens with a greater variety of native plants will attract many different types of birds and pollinator species such as bees and butterflies. Urban vegetation will also provide shelters and refuge for wild animals, and urban plants filter harmful gas like carbon dioxide. Trees in urban areas provide humans and animals alike with shade from hot temperatures and sunlight.

Citizen science initiatives. As a result of lockdowns and increased urban wildlife sightings, public perception of wildlife is shifting. Common news stories from 2020-2021 include domestic animal escapes, and the viral story of Shakira getting attacked by wild boars in Spain. In an increasingly online world, scientists and wildlife activists have taken to using websites like Twitter and Instagram to promote causes, such as #SaveLACougars and #relistwolves. However, the conservation of wild animals in urban spaces relies largely on help from the general public.

Urban wildlife rehabilitation centres (UWRCs). These facilities combine animal rescue and education. Some examples include Hope for Wildlife and WILDNorth in Canada. Often, animals are brought to UWRCs with illnesses and diseases, and receive treatment, promoting the conservation of these wild animals. Interestingly, UWRCs saw an increase in admissions during the stay-at-home orders, which they believe is due to increased time spent at home causing an increase in exposure to urban wildlife.

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to inform scientists about animal-human interactions in cities and may provide insight for a wildlife-friendly city of the future.

Coman, I.A., Cooper-Norris, C.E., Longing, S., Perry, G. It Is a Wild World in the City: Urban Wildlife Conservation and Communication in the Age of COVID-19. Diversity 2022, 14(7), 539. doi:10.3390/d14070539 https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/14/7/539

Murray, M.H., Byers, K.A., Buckley, J., Lehrer, E.W., Kay, C., Fidino, M., Magle, S.B., and German, D. Public perception of urban wildlife during a COVID-19 stay-at-home quarantine order in Chicago. Urban Ecosystems 26, 127-140. 2023. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11252-022-01284-x