ABSTRACT
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, there was a massive effort to protect the human population. As the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was discussed, several animal species were highlighted as being part of the cause, and many were consequently persecuted. Many animal populations were found to be infected, particularly mink, and, hence, there were culling regimes instigated, and millions of animals died. It was widely thought that the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) would protect people, but much of this was discarded, often entangling animals. Disinfectants were sprayed to clean surfaces, even roads. This too had a negative impact on the ecology. Human activity seemed to be centred on population protection, and often there was little concern for the consequences. However, it was not all doom. Many animals took advantage of the lack of human activity during lockdownslockdowns, and many reports showed animals encroaching into locations where they would previously have been too scared to roam. Here, these indirect consequences of human action on animals during the pandemic are discussed.
