The University of Michigan is encouraging all members of the campus community to take an active role in fostering an environment where humans and the campus’ diverse range of wildlife can live together peacefully.

Some animals may become more active as colder weather approaches and they prepare for winter. While interactions with wildlife can be appealing, people are asked to follow several guidelines to help ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.

The guidelines include:

• Maintain distance — Ensure safety by avoiding close approaches to animals.
• Do not feed the wildlife — Human food is not suitable for wildlife and can be harmful to their health. Feeding animals can also create dependency and lead to potentially dangerous encounters.
• Understand seasonal behavior — Wildlife behavior shifts with the seasons, particularly during mating periods. Maintaining a respectful distance is crucial, as close proximity can increase risks during these times.
• Be aware of health and safety risks — Some animals may carry diseases that are harmful to humans. Avoid direct contact.
• Report distressed animals — People encountering an animal in distress should not attempt to handle it. Contact the Facilities Service Center at 734-647-2059 to report the situation.
• Know the legal protections — Many wildlife species are protected by law. Inappropriate interactions can lead to legal consequences and disrupt local ecosystems. Wildlife management is overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
• Take pictures — Observe and photograph wildlife from a safe distance, ensuring minimal disturbance to their natural behavior.
• Stay on designated paths — Help 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].

Tags:

• animals
• wildlife