What does "habitat encroachment" refer to in relation to wildlife?

Habitat encroachment specifically refers to the loss of wildlife's natural habitats as a result of urban development and human expansion. This phenomenon occurs when cities, roads, and other infrastructures replace the ecosystems that wildlife relies on for survival, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands. As urban areas expand, the available space for wildlife diminishes, which can lead to decreased populations, increased human-wildlife conflicts, and disruptions in ecological balance. Understanding habitat encroachment is crucial for animal control officers, as they may encounter situations where animals are forced into urban settings due to these losses, necessitating the need for effective management strategies to mitigate such issues.