Photo by Karen Hogan / Getty Images
Take a walk through just about any Canadian city these days, and chances are, you’ll spot some unexpected neighbours: a coyote padding down a side street, a raccoon rifling through backyard compost, maybe even a black bear lumbering through a greenbelt. It’s got a lot of folks wondering — why are wild animals showing up in our urban spaces? Shouldn’t they be out in “the wild”? And, maybe more importantly, what does it actually mean to live alongside them?
What Is Coexistence?
At its core, coexistence means finding ways for people and wild animals to share space—though not necessarily side-by-side, but in a manner that keeps both parties safe. This involves small, evidence-based changes in human behavior: securing garbage (to reduce food attractants), keeping pets indoors overnight (to prevent predation or disease transmission), and learning about the animals already living nearby[1][2].
Coexistence is not about feeding wildlife or treating them as pets. Instead, it is grounded in respect—for boundaries, for natural behaviors (the innate patterns of activity and survival strategies of animals), and for the reality that urban spaces are now shared habitats[1][2]. The concept gained traction in conservation science in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as urban sprawl (the expansion of cities into natural areas) led to more frequent wildlife sightings in neighborhoods[1][3]. Research initiatives like the Urban Coyote Research Project and Colorado State’s Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence have highlighted the need for science-based strategies that reflect this new reality: wildlife in cities is not an anomaly, but a shift that requires human adaptation[2][3].
Photo by Petra Richli
Coexistence vs. Cohabitation: What’s the Difference?
These terms are often confused, but they are not synonymous. Coexistence refers to humans and wildlife occupying the same general area without direct, close contact—think of coyotes using green spaces as travel corridors or raccoons moving through alleyways[2]. In contrast, cohabitation means animals are physically sharing our homes or immediate living spaces, such as a raccoon denning in an attic. This kind of proximity almost always leads to conflict, including property damage or disease risk[2][4]. The goal is not to live shoulder-to-shoulder with wildlife, but to maintain respectful distance and healthy boundaries.
Why Are Wild Animals In Cities?
Urbanization (the process by which cities expand and natural habitats are converted to human use) is a major driver. As cities grow, they destroy and fragment wildlife habitats, forcing animals to adapt or move into urban areas in search of food, shelter, and safe passage[1][5]. Urban environments often provide stable food sources (like garbage or compost), water, and even refuge from predators, which can attract wildlife and alter their natural behaviors[1][5]. For example, studies show that urban coyotes have adapted by becoming more nocturnal (active at night) and shifting their diets to include more human-derived food sources[1][2].
But What About the Pushback?
Some critics argue that wildlife does not belong in cities and that conservation should only occur in remote wilderness. However, urban development has already consumed vast amounts of wild habitat, and cities now function as corridors (pathways that connect fragmented habitats) for animals navigating between shrinking natural spaces[5]. Protecting wild areas remains essential, but it is not the whole picture—urban areas are now part of the ecosystem, and we have a responsibility to manage them accordingly[1][5].
Others worry about the health risks posed by urban wildlife, such as the spread of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans), including rabies, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease[4]. While these risks are real, they are often exacerbated by human behaviors—like leaving food waste accessible, using poisons, or failing to secure garbage—which create hazardous environments for both people and animals[1][4]. The solution is not to push wildlife out, but to adopt better waste management and public health practices[4].
Photo by Seyedomid Mostafavi / Getty Images
Why It Matters
Coexistence is not about turning cities into nature reserves or being “soft” on wildlife, converting urban spaces into Disney-fied destinations, or sharing a toothbrush with a raccoon. It is about facing ecological reality with empathy and common sense. As urban areas expand and more species adapt to city life, coexistence offers a path forward—one that prioritizes safety, reduces conflict, and reminds us that we are not the only inhabitants of these spaces[1][3][5].
Wildlife is adapting. The question is: can we?
Sources
- Schell, C. J., Stanton, L. A., Young, J. K., Angeloni, L. M., Lambert, J. E., Breck, S. W., & Murray, M. H. (2021). The evolutionary consequences of human–wildlife conflict in cities. Evolutionary Applications, 14(1), 178–197. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7819564/
- Gehrt, S. D., Anchor, C., & White, L. A. (2009). A resource for coyote questions and answers: City of Chicago. Urban Coyote Research Program. Retrieved from https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cacc/PDFiles/Chicago_Coyote_Research_Writeup.pdf
- Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence. (2024). Colorado State University. Retrieved from https://sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/kcrooks/chcc/
- Admin. (2025, February). The impact of urbanization on wildlife habitats: Challenges and solutions. UPPCS Magazine. Retrieved from https://uppcsmagazine.com/the-impact-of-urbanization-on-wildlife-habitats-challenges-and-solutions/
- Redi National. (2024, August). What common diseases can urban wildlife carry. Redi National. Retrieved from https://redinational.com/what-common-diseases-can-urban-wildlife-carry/
