How does denning behavior affect wildlife interactions with humans?

Denning behavior refers to the habits and activities of various wildlife species, particularly during certain seasons when they are seeking shelter, raising young, or hibernating. When animals enter dens, such as bears or coyotes, they are often establishing territories and preparing for interactions with their environment and other species.

Increased likelihood of conflict arises primarily because dens are often located in areas that overlap with human habitation. As wildlife settle into these dens, they may become more active in nearby human-populated areas in search of food, especially if natural food sources are scarce. This increase in animal activity can lead to encounters that result in human-wildlife conflicts, such as animals scavenging in trash, raiding bird feeders, or even directly interacting with pets and people.

The other choices do not directly relate to the impact that denning behavior has on interactions with humans in the way that increased conflict does. For instance, reduced food intake might apply to hibernating animals, but it doesn't specifically address interactions with humans. Long-distance migration is also not inherently linked to denning behavior since not all wildlife species that den migrate long distances, and population growth isn't directly influenced by denning behavior but rather by environmental conditions and resource availability.