Rewilding in Detroit

Detroit, home to over 4 million people, is seeing an increase in urban wildlife due to rewilding efforts. Yale University biologists have documented skunks, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes in city parks. As urbanization expands, wildlife encounters are becoming more common. Rewilding projects in Detroit, driven by nonprofits, aim to revitalize areas with abandoned structures by planting trees and creating community gardens. These efforts have reintroduced birds, fish, beavers, and wild plants, turning brownfield sites into public spaces. Researchers emphasize the importance of teaching residents to coexist with wildlife by managing waste and avoiding feeding animals. The inevitability of rewilding raises questions about mitigating its consequences and preparing communities for more wildlife.

What is the population of Detroit?

• More than 3 million

• More than 2 million

• More than 4 million

• More than 5 million

Which university's biologists have been recording urban wildlife in Detroit?

• Princeton University

• Stanford University

• Yale University

• Harvard University

What types of animals have Yale biologists recorded in Detroit's city parks?

• Elephants, giraffes, and zebras

• Deer, bears, and wolves

• Skunks, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes

• Lions, tigers, and bears

What has led to the opportunity for rewilding projects in Detroit?

• Climate change

• A shrinking population and abandoned structures

• Government funding

• An increase in population

What types of conservation projects have been introduced in Detroit?

• Developing shopping malls

• Constructing skyscrapers

• Reintroducing birds, fish, beavers, and wild plants

• Building new roads

What is one way residents can help their wild neighbors?

• Feeding wild animals

• Properly disposing of trash

• Building fences

• Using pesticides

What is a key question regarding the future of rewilding?

• How can we increase urbanization?

• How can we mitigate potential consequences?

• How can we eliminate wildlife?

• How can we stop rewilding?