An examination of Illinois residents' opinions toward lethal predator management

Black bears (Ursus americanus), cougars (Puma concolor), and gray wolves (Canis lupis) are now protected species under Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) management. We conducted a self-administered mail survey of 17,502... [ view full abstract ]

Black bears (Ursus americanus), cougars (Puma concolor), and gray wolves (Canis lupis) are now protected species under Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) management. We conducted a self-administered mail survey of 17,502 Illinois residents. Data were collected from October 2015 until February 2016 and a usable sample of 7,750 resulted in a 48% response rate. The questionnaire was developed with the assistance of IDNR to gather public attitudes and management preferences toward all three species for regulation development. By means of the theory of cognitive hierarchy we hypothesized a partially mediated model between mutualistic and doministic wildlife value orientations, attitudes toward predators, and lethal management of the species when seen near homes. Through structural equation modeling we confirmed that the wildlife value orientations were partially mediated by attitudes toward species. Mutualistic values and positive attitudes toward predators resulted in decreased desire for lethal action. An increased desire for lethal action was noted with increased doministic values and negative attitudes towards predators. Whereas this relationship held true for all three, species-specific analysis shows an increased desire for lethal action regarding cougars and wolves. These results suggest the need for careful planning regarding lethal removal of predators in Illinois. Further, Potential for Conflict Index was used to provide additional insight into differences in management preferences by values orientations across the three species. Discussion will focus on public perceptions of wolves, cougars, and black bears and management implications of these differences.