The University of Michigan is calling on its campus community to actively contribute to a harmonious coexistence between humans and the diverse wildlife inhabiting the area. As the colder seasons approach, wildlife activity can increase, prompting the need for guidelines to safeguard both human and animal well-being. Emphasizing the importance of respectful interaction, the university outlines several key practices for students, staff, and visitors.
Guidelines include:
- Maintain distance — Ensure safety by avoiding close approaches to animals.
- Do not feed the wildlife — Human food can harm wildlife and lead to dependency, causing dangerous encounters.
- Understand seasonal behavior — Recognize that wildlife behavior changes during mating periods and maintain a respectful distance.
- Be aware of health and safety risks — Some animals may carry diseases harmful to humans. Avoid direct contact.
- Report distressed animals — Do not handle distressed animals. Report to the Facilities Service Center at 734-647-2059.
- Know the legal protections — Many species are legally protected. Inappropriate interactions can lead to legal issues and disrupt ecosystems.
- Take pictures — Photograph wildlife from a safe distance to minimize disturbance.
- Stay on designated paths — Preserve habitats by remaining on footpaths.
“We enjoy the diverse environments of our community, from the wooded areas of Northwoods to the heart of Central Campus. The animals, however, don’t recognize these distinctions, which is why we see a variety of wildlife throughout the campus area,” said Shaun Ashley, a U-M Pest Management supervisor.
“While it is wonderful to appreciate this diversity, it is equally important to admire it from afar, ensuring both the safety of our campus community and the well-being of the wildlife.”
Individuals may encounter various species on campus, including squirrels, raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, beavers, Canada geese, ducks, turkeys, bats, deer, hawks, peregrine falcons, and small birds.
“We know that we’re interdependent with these species around us. Now is our time to step back and respect the space they need by following a few key best practices,” said Tony Kolenic, director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
“By following best practices, we can proactively mitigate potential issues while continuing to enjoy and respect the shared natural environment.”
Strategies for preserving the balance between human activity and wildlife that thrives alongside people will be key as the campus continues to grow.
A recent University of Michigan study projects an increase in human-wildlife interactions across more than half of the Earth’s land by 2070. As urbanization continues, more areas will see increased encounters with wildlife, which could lead to challenges in managing these interactions.
“One of the main causes of human-wildlife conflicts is feeding animals,” said Jared Duquette, human-wildlife interactions specialist for the state DNR. “Feeding attracts more animals than would naturally gather, increasing disease risks and preventing young wildlife from learning essential foraging skills.”
Simple actions such as proper food-waste disposal, respecting animal habitats, and reporting wildlife sightings can also minimize potential issues. By adhering to these guidelines, the campus community can foster a safer, more sustainable and resilient environment for both humans and animals on campus.
The DNR encourages the public to submit wildlife observations to the Eyes in the Field and the iNaturalist websites.
For any campus wildlife-related concerns, contact the Facilities Service Center by phone at 734-647-2059 or by email at [email protected].
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