US EditionNational parks animals are changing their habits in response to humans: Study
U.S. NATIONAL PARKS, JUL 30 – Researchers tracked 229 animals from 10 species across 14 parks and found animal use of developed areas increased during closures averaging 58 days in 2020.
- A University of Washington-led study published October 13 in People and Nature found that even low human presence alters wildlife behavior in U.S. national parks.
- Using GPS collar data collected between 2019 and 2020, researchers monitored individuals from ten different species across fourteen national parks and protected areas to assess their behavior before and during COVID-related park closures.
- The study observed that all four focal species changed activity near humans, with wolves most likely to disappear and brown bears least affected, while animals used developed areas more when parks were closed.
- Dr. Kaitlyn Gaynor explained that the findings indicate conservation efforts can coexist with limited recreational use, but it remains important to reserve certain zones solely for the protection of wildlife.
- These findings suggest parks should concentrate visitors in some areas and protect others for wildlife, balancing recreation and conservation needs effectively.
10 Articles
10 Articles
National parks animals are changing their habits in response to humans: Study
(The Hill) – The persistent presence of humans and their infrastructure in U.S. national parks has yielded dramatic changes in the behaviors of large animals who live there, a new study has found. Even during the pandemic-era lockdowns that briefly closed parks to humans in 2020, large animals at most sites continued to avoid human-built roadways and facilities, according to the study, published on Tuesday in the Proceedings of the Royal Society…
A study that tracked the movements of wildlife in 14 U.S. national parks before, during and after confinement with GPS collars reveals that some species learned to associate human presence with certain benefits while others were more cautious.
Animals in national parks impacted by even just a few people
A new study has found that even in remote, rarely visited national parks, the presence of even just a few humans impacts the activity of wildlife that live there. Nearly any level of human activity in a protected area like a national park can alter the behavior of animals there, the study found.
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