The Human-Wildlife Interactions program focuses on reducing conflicts between people, pets, livestock, and local wildlife across the Bay Area. Through research, outreach, and one-on-one support, the program educates residents, small-scale producers, and land managers on strategies to prevent and respond to wildlife encounters. Topics include predator deterrence for livestock, garden pest control, and public safety in relation to coyotes, mountain lions, and burrowing rodents. Site visits, workshops, and educational resources are available to help communities coexist safely and sustainably with wildlife.
Key research initiatives include testing nonlethal deterrents such as livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), in collaboration with institutions like UC Santa Cruz and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The program also co-leads the Bay Area Carnivore-Livestock Interactions Project (BACLIP), which studies mountain lion behavior and tools to protect commercial livestock. Public education extends to vertebrate pest management and promoting coexistence strategies for urban and suburban residents encountering wildlife in daily life.
The program is led by Carolyn Whitesell and covers Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo/SF, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Sonoma Counties.
Visit the program's Human-Wildlife Interactions webpage.
| Learn more about Carolyn Whitesell |
| Bio and Contact |
| Curriculum Vitae |
