Differentiating Risk Perceptions Associated with Herbivores and Carnivores in Alaska

Wood bison were reintroduced into Alaska after a 170-year absence in the state. Wildlife reintroductions can cause human problems by damaging property, spreading disease, increasing fear levels, and human-caused injury and... [ view full abstract ]

Wood bison were reintroduced into Alaska after a 170-year absence in the state. Wildlife reintroductions can cause human problems by damaging property, spreading disease, increasing fear levels, and human-caused injury and death. We examined Alaskan residents’ perceptions of risk associated with wood bison, moose, wolf, black bear, and grizzly bear. We hypothesized that perceived risk would vary (a) among the five species and (b) by location of residence (urban vs. rural). Since wood bison are not found in urban areas, perceived risk was predicted to be low. On the other hand, moose are common in Alaskan cities and perceived risk associated with moose-vehicle accidents should be high. An opposite pattern of findings was expected for the rural villages. Residents living in small communities closest to the bison release sites were predicted to perceive higher risk given the higher probability of interacting with the bison. Data were obtained from a self-administered questionnaire randomly distributed to residents in Anchorage (n = 400) and Fairbanks (n = 400), and interview-administered questionnaires in the small communities of Grayling (n = 40), Anvik (n = 20), Shageluk (n = 20), and Holy Cross (n = 45). Perceived risk was operationalized in terms: (a) fear (feelings of anxiety, worry, or fear); (b) likelihood (beliefs about frequency of exposure to risks); and (c) control (ability to prevent exposure to risks from a wildlife species). Potential for Conflict Index (PCI2) was used to summarize the findings. Results indicated clear differences in perceived risk among the five species. Urban residents reported more fear of herbivores than carnivores; rural residents feared carnivores more than herbivores. Urban residents reported less exposure to risk than rural residents. Urban residents indicated lower levels of control than rural residents. Understanding these similarities and differences in perceived risk of urban and rural residents provides a foundation for wildlife managers to build education efforts focused on effectively informing people about wildlife safety and behavior.