Human-wildlife conflicts in Polish cities: An analysis of official reports and public perceptions

Due to rapid urbanisation, interactions with humans and wildlife are an increasing phenomenon in cities, leading to both beneficial and adverse (called human-wildlife conflicts: HWC) encounters. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these interactions is crucial for successful urban wildlife management. This study aimed at understanding urban HWC across multiple species in two Polish cities (Krakow and Gdansk) over two years (2022 and 2023), drawing insights from official municipal reports and public perceptions. Official reports from Krakow and Gdansk over two years provided quantitative data on property damage, animal-vehicle collisions, allowing identification of wildlife conflict hot spots. Additionally, questionnaire responses from 100 respondents in both cities highlighted perceptions of urban wildlife among residents. The conflict reports revealed species-specific interactions within the urban landscape. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) conflict reports were the most frequent, followed by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Property intrusion was the most common conflict category in both cities. Conflicts varied seasonally, with spring recording the highest incidents. Spatial analysis revealed concentrated wild boar conflicts in specific regions of both cities. However, Krakow uniquely reported conflicts involving red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), hedgehog (Erinaceus spp.) and bat (Chiroptera spp.), while Gdansk noted conflicts with moose (Alces Alces). Furthermore, residents’ attitudes toward urban wildlife differed between cities, with Gdansk residents perceiving wildlife as more problematic compared to Krakow. Thus, the study highlights the importance of context-specific and the need for tailored approaches for conflict management strategies instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.