How carnivorans affect humans

Abstract

Abstract Carnivorans affect humans in diverse ways, positively and negatively. They attack and kill small numbers of humans worldwide, not including attacks by domestic dogs, that lead to strong societal responses. They kill various domestic animals, mostly notably livestock under loose husbandry. In addition to environmental factors, these attacks occur in response to economic and social conditions. Carnivorans also kill wild animals valued by humans: ungulates valued as game, marine fisheries, and species of conservation concern. Wild carnivorans are the basis of various regional tourism industries, but also can limit recreational activities, for reasons of public safety or to protect a carnivoran at issue. Humans have used carnivorans for food, fur, and medicine throughout our history, but these uses have declined in recent decades; the global wild fur industry is small and declining. We value the ecological services provided by carnivorans; these include removing human waste and reducing ungulate–vehicle collisions. Carnivorans play complex roles in the ecology of diseases that affect humans, completing the life cycles of some disease organisms, while interrupting others. The increased proximity of carnivorans to humans in urban and peri-urban setting increases the likelihood of transmission of some zoonotic diseases. They also play important roles as reservoirs or transmitters of diseases important to species of conservation concern. In some cases, the positive effects of carnivorans on ecosystem health have been exaggerated beyond what evidence supports. Carnivorans affect the spiritual and emotional well-being of humans in diverse and powerful ways.