Promoting Coexistence

Defenders has been at the forefront of coexistence efforts for decades, and we have pioneered transformational approaches and tools that successfully limit negative interactions between humans and wildlife in communities from Alaska to Florida to the desert southwest to northern Rockies and many places in between. Defenders uses a community-based coexistence model, working directly with communities to build social acceptance for wildlife and develop, test and actualize solutions to conflicts with wildlife.

Through our on-the-ground work, Defenders staff has seen firsthand the positive impact that effective nonlethal practices can have on wildlife species. Increasing the widespread adoption of these coexistence practices could have major implications for wolves, bears, bison and other imperiled wildlife, by enabling their populations to coexist and recover where they previously were not tolerated. 

We work hard to advocate for coexistence measures at the federal, state and local levels, working closely with decision makers to strengthen and develop laws, policies and programs that affect wildlife. We engage in a variety of community education and outreach activities– everything from providing training on how to properly use bear spray, to giving presentations about Florida panther recovery and range expansion.

We work to place range riders, livestock guarding dogs and trail cameras in areas of concern to help monitor nearby predators so ranchers can better protect their livestock. We also use tools like noisemakers, spotlights, fladry and temporary electrified corrals to scare wildlife away. By preparing local communities to coexist safely with wildlife and minimizing negative interactions between humans and wildlife in backyards and on the range, we are helping imperiled wildlife rebound and expand to their historical ranges.