Nocturnal neighbors: exploring residents' perceptions of urban wildlife related to animal traits identified by camera traps and literature

Wildlife in urban areas is often a source of conflict, yet relatively few efforts have been directed toward fostering coexistence in these human-dominated landscapes. While previous research has focused on socio-demographic factors influencing perceptions of wildlife, the role of specific animal traits in shaping acceptance remains underexplored. This study, conducted in the city of Freiburg, Germany, analysed survey respondents' acceptance of wild mammals in their neighborhood (n = 779), considering animal traits derived from literature (diet and size) and field data (nocturnal activity and urban habitat preference) collected through camera traps (n = 24). Our results highlight nocturnal activity as the strongest predictor of ‘wildlife acceptance'. More nocturnal species such as badgers Meles meles, foxes Vulpes vulpes, rats Rattus spp., wild boars Sus scrofa, and martens Martes spp., were generally less accepted than more diurnal species such as rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and squirrels Sciurus vulgaris, as well as crepuscular species such as roe deer Capreolus capreolus, hares Lepus europaeus, and hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus. These findings suggest that the reduced visibility of nocturnal animals and associated misconceptions – such as fear of darkness – might contribute to their lower acceptance. This pattern indicates a need to address how the invisibility and perceived threat of nocturnal wildlife can exacerbate human–wildlife conflicts. Urban planners and educators can draw from this study to prioritize nature education and awareness campaigns focusing on nocturnal species. Proactively addressing misperceptions and emphasizing the ecological roles of nocturnal animals can help mitigate negative stereotypes and promote coexistence in urban environments.