The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on almost all aspects of human life worldwide and, consequently, in the lives of all animals with which humans interact direct and indirectly. Conservation concerns raised by the myriad effects caused by COVID-19 on human-animal interactions range from species to ecosystem levels. Here I will discuss both sides of those effects on the wildlife, focusing on major activities involving humans and animals, such as hunting, fishing and trade, among others. COVID-19 has been undeniably tragic, but the positive and negative consequences observed in this pandemic period can give us a unique opportunity to re-evaluate our relationship with natural ecosystems and their resources.