By 'helping' wild animals, you could end their freedom or even their lives – here's why you should keep your distance

A newborn bison calf in Yellowstone National Park had to be euthanized after a visitor handled it in May 2023 – a recent example of how trying to help wild animals often harms them.

Julian Avery, Associate Research Professor of Wildlife Conservation, Penn State • conversation
June 30, 2023 ~11 min

Greedy gulls decide what to eat by watching people -- new research

Research has found that urban gulls work out what’s good to eat by watching humans.

Paul Graham, Professor of Neuroethology, University of Sussex • conversation
May 25, 2023 ~6 min


Human activities in Asia have reduced elephant habitat by nearly two-thirds since 1700, dividing what remains into ever-smaller patches

A new study looks back into history to assess human impacts on the range of Asian elephants and finds sharp decline starting several centuries ago.

Shermin de Silva, Assistant Professor of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, University of California, San Diego • conversation
April 27, 2023 ~10 min

Wolf restoration in Colorado shows how humans are rethinking their relationships with wild animals

Less than a century ago, Colorado hunted, trapped and poisoned all the wolves within its borders. Today it’s restoring them – a change that reflects a profound shift in human thinking.

Christopher J. Preston, Professor of Philosophy, University of Montana • conversation
Feb. 28, 2023 ~9 min

Reintroducing top predators to the wild is risky but necessary – here's how we can ensure they survive

New research studies the factors that determine whether large carnivore reintroductions will be a success.

Seth Thomas, Research assistant, University of Oxford • conversation
Feb. 17, 2023 ~7 min

UN biodiversity conference: what does living in harmony with nature look like?

Human-wildlife conflict can undermine public support for conservation.

Alexandra Zimmermann, Senior Research Fellow, University of Oxford • conversation
Dec. 16, 2022 ~6 min

Protecting 30% of Earth's surface for nature means thinking about connections near and far

Governments, scientists and conservation groups are working to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water for nature by 2030. Two scientists explain why scale matters for reaching that goal.

Jianguo "Jack" Liu, Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability, Michigan State University • conversation
Dec. 2, 2022 ~11 min

Orangutans: could 'half-Earth' conservation save the red ape?

Setting aside half of Borneo would significantly reduce their decline, say experts.

Serge Wich, Professor of Primate Biology, Liverpool John Moores University • conversation
Oct. 24, 2022 ~7 min


Coyotes are here to stay in North American cities – here's how to appreciate them from a distance

Urban coyotes prey on rodents and spread plant seeds. It’s OK to observe them from a distance, but then you should chase them off.

Mary Magnuson, Master's student in Environment and Resources, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
Aug. 3, 2022 ~8 min

Making room for wildlife: 4 essential reads

The recent goring of a tourist who approached within 10 feet of a bison in Yellowstone National Park is a reminder that wild animals can be dangerous and people should keep safe distances.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Energy Editor, The Conversation • conversation
June 6, 2022 ~8 min

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