Cities around the world are invaded by wild beasts

Many species of wildlife are attracted to urban areas and thrive in the world’s major cities, from wild boars to hyenas. Foxes, for example, are adaptable omnivores that forage for natural foods supplemented by pigeons and leftovers from trash cans. They have mixed with humans for millennia and now thrive in urban areas, with a high density in cities like London and the Northeastern United States.

Coyotes have also become rife in American cities in recent decades, scavenging for a flexible diet that includes small mammals, leftovers from trash cans, and even large mammals like deer and raccoons. However, scientists warn that coyotes carrying parasites and unhealthy bacteria from leftover food can pose a threat to humans.

Seagulls, especially in coastal areas, are ferocious opportunistic foragers invading cities to steal food from picnics, barbecues, or even directly from humans. Declining fish stocks and loss of natural habitat push seagulls to urban areas where they become proficient at scavenging for food in trash or from humans.

Wild boars, typically reclusive, are also stepping into urban areas to scavenge for waste, facing quick responses from local authorities or extermination teams. In the US, wild boars are considered an invasive species, causing significant agricultural losses.

Hyenas, known for their vicious nature, provide health and economic benefits in African cities by removing animal carcasses and preventing disease transmission among residents and livestock. Elephants in India scavenge piles of trash on the outskirts of cities, but their consumption of plastic waste poses risks to their health. Grizzly and black bears in the US face increasing conflicts with humans as they search for food, often breaking into homes in search of food.

As wildlife adapts to urban environments, it is important for communities to understand and address the interactions between humans and these animals to promote safety and coexistence.