Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Local Support for Black Bear Recovery Strategies |
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Authors: | Anita T Morzillo Angela G Mertig Jeffrey W Hollister Nathan Garner Jianguo Liu |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, 321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;(2) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Michigan State University, 13 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1222, USA;(3) Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU Box 10, Murfreesboro, TN37132, USA;(4) National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA;(5) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 11942 FM 848, Tyler, TX 75707, USA |
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Abstract: | There is global interest in recovering locally extirpated carnivore species. Successful efforts to recover Louisiana black
bear in Louisiana have prompted interest in recovery throughout the species’ historical range. We evaluated support for three
potential black bear recovery strategies prior to public release of a black bear conservation and management plan for eastern
Texas, United States. Data were collected from 1,006 residents living in proximity to potential recovery locations, particularly
Big Thicket National Preserve. In addition to traditional logistic regression analysis, we used conditional probability analysis
to statistically and visually evaluate probabilities of public support for potential black bear recovery strategies based
on socioeconomic characteristics. Allowing black bears to repopulate the region on their own (i.e., without active reintroduction)
was the recovery strategy with the greatest probability of acceptance. Recovery strategy acceptance was influenced by many
socioeconomic factors. Older and long-time local residents were most likely to want to exclude black bears from the area.
Concern about the problems that black bears may cause was the only variable significantly related to support or non-support
across all strategies. Lack of personal knowledge about black bears was the most frequent reason for uncertainty about preferred
strategy. In order to reduce local uncertainty about possible recovery strategies, we suggest that wildlife managers focus
outreach efforts on providing local residents with general information about black bears, as well as information pertinent
to minimizing the potential for human–black bear conflict. |
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