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When most wild animals first encounter humans, they respond as they would to any predator—by running, swimming or flying away.
Over time, some species become more tolerant of humans' presence, but the extent to which they do is largely driven by the type of environment in which the animals live and by the animal's body size, according to a comprehensive new analysis.
Researchers led by Daniel Blumstein, a professor and chair of ecology and evolutionary biology in the UCLA College, analyzed 75 studies conducted over the past half-century of 212 animal species—mostly birds, but also mammals and lizards. The scientists estimated species' tolerance to human disturbance by comparing how far away from humans an animal would have to be before it fled—a statistic called "flight initiation distance."
The paper was published today in Nature Communications.
Among the findings:
- Birds in more heavily populated urban areas are much more tolerant of humans than birds in rural areas.
- Larger birds are more tolerant of humans than smaller birds.
Why Are Some Wild Animals More Tolerant to Human Interaction Than Others? No.
(Score: 2, Informative) by alioth on Wednesday November 18 2015, @02:54PM
I don't think it's that simple, even. Certainly geese I've come into contact with generally ignore me when I'm far less than 30ft away. Swans for instance will let you practically brush past. Certain large birds don't flee because they know if you do anything threatening, they can ruin your day if it becomes necessary. I'm probably more afraid of geese than geese are of me :-)
I find small birds will flee when you get within 10 feet. Larger but not huge birds tend to be a bit more tolerant. Crows for example will come right up close and only move away if you make a sudden movement. (Crows will also apparently remember your face if you're nice to them or mean to them, and continue accordingly on their subsequent encounters with you). Seagulls are the boldest, they will actually steal food from people and don't give a damn.
(Score: 2) by hankwang on Wednesday November 18 2015, @06:29PM
"I'm probably more afraid of geese than geese are of me :-)"
When a goose or swan threatens you with those hissing sounds, offer them your index finger as if you hold a gun. When they bite, it doesn't hurt, but you can grab their beak with your thumb and middle finger and pull their head.
They really don't like that and will back off as fast as possible...
Avantslash: SoylentNews for mobile [avantslash.org]
(Score: 2) by frojack on Wednesday November 18 2015, @08:03PM
Yes, these birds with flat bills are all bluff and bluster. They can pinch a little but they are harmless. In fact, if you simply stand your ground or advance when they start their attacks they usually go away.
Hawks and Eagles will tear your hands to shreds. At the raptor center in my town, the handlers wear face shields and thick leather gloves up to their elbow.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 2) by hankwang on Wednesday November 18 2015, @08:39PM
OTOH, I wouldn't challenge a swan when I'm in the water.
Avantslash: SoylentNews for mobile [avantslash.org]
(Score: 2) by HiThere on Wednesday November 18 2015, @08:41PM
Geesee aren't *all* threat and bluster, but they aren't nearly as dangerous as they sometimes pretend. But there's a reason for the term "goosed". And there's also a reason that it was often the job of young girls to look after them.
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