Scientists figure out why human-wildlife conflict has increased in California

Researchers in California have pinpointed an unexpected impact of climate change within the state: an increase in human-wildlife conflict due to prolonged, climate-exacerbated drought conditions. Clashes between humans and wildlife -- especially carnivores -- were found to rise after prolonged stretches of reduced precipitation, according to a paper published Friday in Science Advances . Analysis of nearly 32,000 reports of human-wildlife interactions made to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife between 2017 and 2023 included reports of depredation -- or animal damage to property -- reports of anticipation of conflict or general sightings and reports of animal nuisance that did not result in property damage. More than 60 animal species were named in the reports. A team of researc