Patterns in Human-Wildlife Conflict in the Portland Metro Area and Implications for Coexistence

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is routinely contacted for technical advice and assistance in addressing real or perceived human-wildlife conflict across the state. Improved understanding of patterns of conflict between humans and wildlife in urban ecosystems can help to identify ways to reduce perceived conflict and guide targeted education and outreach campaigns to benefit human-wildlife coexistence in urban areas. We analyzed 2,874 reports of human conflict with wildlife received by ODFW wildlife biologists in the Portland metro area from 2022-2024. Our objectives were to 1) identify the wildlife species most frequently involved in real or perceived conflict in the Portland metro area, 2) describe spatial and temporal patterns in reports related to those species, and 3) characterize the nature of reported concerns and identify common themes. We found that wildlife reports from the Portland metro area most frequently referenced coyotes, raccoons, deer/elk, waterfowl, and cougars. We identified seasonal and spatial patterns in the frequency of reports tied to individual species biology. Most concerns referenced injured, ill, or dead wildlife, proximity of wildlife to humans, nuisance issues, or conflict with domestic pets. The nature of these reports suggests that additional work to educate the public on best practices for interacting with wildlife, removing attractants, and keeping pets safe could greatly reduce human-wildlife conflict in the Portland metro area. Based on our results, we provide concrete steps and informational resources to proactively address many public concerns surrounding human-wildlife conflict in urban areas.