Overview
Explore the fascinating intersection of human society and wildlife in this engaging talk featuring authors Mary Roach and Lucy Cooke. Delve into unusual scenarios where animals clash with human laws and expectations, from jaywalking moose to break-and-entering bears. Discover innovative solutions to human-wildlife conflicts, including laser scarecrows, robotic hawks, and specialized human-elephant conflict experts. Learn about historical animal trials, the intelligence of bears, the impact of human garbage on wildlife, and the challenges of relocating problem animals. Examine how alcohol affects animal behavior, particularly in elephants, and uncover surprising examples of human-like conduct in nature. Discuss the complexities of dealing with invasive species and potentially dangerous trees. Gain insights into conservation efforts and strategies for coexisting with wildlife in an increasingly human-dominated world.
Syllabus
Introduction
The caterpillar trial
Medieval animal trials
Lucys process
Bears
Bears are smart
Garbage is a killer
A mother and her cub
Translocating bears
Alcohol and animal conflict
The menace to drunk elephants
Humanlike behaviour in nature
Girls eating babies
Monkeys
Vulture Effigies
Invasive Species
Danger Trees
Hope
Audience questions
Taught by
The Royal Institution