7th CA Coastal Wildlife Disturbance Symposium Keynote: Dr. Kirsten Leong - Video

Kirsten Leong, of the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
shares what she has learned about applying principles of animal behavior and human behavior to manage human-wildlife interactions. Protecting wild animals and wild spaces has allowed for rebounding wildlife populations and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. However, these encounters can affect behavior. For example, rather than fleeing from people, animals may learn to ignore people or approach them for food. People, in turn may try to get close to seemingly “tame” animals. While these behavioral changes can increase the probability of viewing wildlife, they also can negatively affect wildlife health and reproduction, current and future visitor experiences, and the health and safety of both humans and wildlife (e.g., via injury and disease transmission). Dr. Leong's presentation provides a summary of key principles from animal behavior and human behavior to improve management of human-wildlife interactions.