A recent analysis published in the journal Biological Conservation suggests that humans are frequently responsible for the illnesses and injuries that lead land animals to wildlife rehabilitation centers. The comprehensive study focused on wildlife centers in the United States and Canada, shedding light on the threats posed by humans to over 1,000 species.

Bald eagles were more likely to be admitted to animal rehabilitation centers for lead poisoning than other animals

Examining a dataset comprising 674,320 digitized records spanning 94 wildlife centers across North America from 1975 to 2019, the study covered diverse animal species. While various species were admitted to wildlife rehab centers, Eastern cottontail rabbits, Eastern gray squirrels, Virginia opossums, American robins, and raccoons were the most commonly treated, with variations observed across regions.

Researchers identified several primary causes of animal injuries, with human-related factors being a significant contributor. Human disturbances, such as collisions with vehicles, injuries, and illnesses, accounted for nearly 40 percent of all cases. Vehicle collisions emerged as the primary cause of injury, impacting 12 percent of admitted animals.

The study also highlighted additional hazards, including fishing activities, collisions with buildings or windows, and encounters with domesticated dogs and cats. Reptiles were found to have the highest proportion of rehab admissions caused by human activities.

The researchers concluded that human activities have a substantial and adverse impact on wildlife. Only 32.5 percent of the animals studied were successfully released back into the wild, with approximately 9 percent transferred to other facilities or undergoing further treatment. Unfortunately, the majority either died or had to be euthanized, and it was noted that more mammals were successfully reintegrated into their natural habitats than any other type of animal.

Even in cases where direct harm was not inflicted by humans, their influence was pervasive throughout the study. Lead poisoning and the consequences of human-induced climate change emerged as additional threats to wildlife. Issues such as heat stress, die-offs, and other climate-related challenges were linked to extreme weather events attributed to human activity.

Different animals were affected in distinct ways; for instance, bald eagles were significantly more prone to admission due to lead poisoning, while red-tailed hawks suffered the most from pesticide exposure.

Recognizing the need for more research, the researchers urged wildlife centers across the continent to standardize their systems. They emphasized the importance of consistent record-keeping as an invaluable source of data for identifying threats to wildlife health. Furthermore, they believe it plays a crucial role in establishing management and conservation priorities and developing effective responses.