Nearly 85% of the United States population lives in an urban/suburban environment, and an increasing number of wildlife share the same landscape. Many of the wildlife species living in urbanized areas are species that are overabundant and are in close proximity with humans, creating concern for disease risk and economic loss due to wildlife-related property damage. However, cities can also be managed to provide abundant habitat to attract wildlife that normally wouldn’t be found in developed areas. Attracting a more diverse suite of wildlife can balance out the overabundant species and may serve as sentinels of ecosystem health. Creating, enhancing, and maintaining wildlife habitat not only benefits a variety of wildlife, but benefits the human population by increasing property values, improving human health, and providing ecosystem services. This presentation will provide information and resources to help communities provide healthy ecosystems for humans and wildlife.
