Human Dimensions of Urban Wildlife

Human-wildlife interactions in Chicagoland occurred since humans first settled the region & had close relationship with nature. As our society urbanized, less people are exposed to wildlife. Wildlife populations adapted to human development & led to increased human interactions-often perceived as conflicts. Technology & social media are essential for public education but can lead to misinformation regarding how to coexist with wildlife which increases the need to improve public education of wildlife & mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. This presentation hopes to start a conversation and broaden opportunities for all-wildlife & humans. Presented by Nicky Strahl, District Wildlife Biologist for Cook & DuPage Counties, Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Wildlife Division.