Viyoohan Sayooran, an eight-year-old from Markham, Ontario, has developed an innovative app called Urban Wild Watch, which aims to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife. The app, available on both phone and desktop, allows users to report wildlife encounters, including injured or orphaned animals, and provides essential safety information. Since its launch on June 5, it has registered over 158 wildlife encounters across Canada and the United States, promoting awareness and safety for both humans and animals.
The app's development was inspired by recent incidents of human-wildlife encounters, such as a coyote biting a two-year-old child in Whitby, Ontario, and a woman being approached by an aggressive grizzly bear in Kananaskis Country, Alberta. These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and respecting their natural habitats.
Colleen St. Clair, a professor of wildlife sciences at the University of Alberta, emphasizes the need for humans to avoid teaching animals that they can be approached without fear. She advises against providing shelter, food, or other resources to wild animals, as this can lead to dangerous encounters. Instead, humans should focus on keeping a safe distance and respecting the animals' natural behaviors.
Leonardo Cabrera, an ecologist at Rogue National Park in Markham, Ontario, agrees with St. Clair's recommendations. He encourages people to explore nature while respecting the environment and animals by giving them space. Cabrera also emphasizes the importance of reporting animal behavior to local wildlife authorities to ensure the safety of all residents, both furry and not.
The app's safety features include emergency numbers to call if physical contact with a wild animal is reported. Viyoohan's initiative has received praise from experts, who applaud his efforts to raise awareness about coexistence with wild animals. However, they also stress the importance of reporting observations to proper authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals involved.
In conclusion, Viyoohan Sayooran's Urban Wild Watch app is a valuable tool for promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. By encouraging safe practices and responsible reporting, the app contributes to a more harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world, ensuring the safety and preservation of both.
