Bears in the Backyard: Big Animals, Sprawling Suburbs, and the New Urban Jungle

Encounters with wildlife in urban areas are becoming more frequent, as animals like cougars, alligators, and bears venture into cities and suburbs. This trend is driven by urban sprawl and successful conservation efforts that have allowed wildlife populations to thrive. While these encounters can be exciting, they also pose significant dangers, with the potential for serious attacks on humans increasing as wildlife and people share the same spaces.