ABSTRACT

As coyotes (Canis latrans) expand their range into urban areas across the U.S., monitoring human-coyote conflicts and discussing future management options can avoid reactionary decisions that often accompany public conflict. We evaluated the acceptance and potential for conflict of implementing no management (NM), public education (PE), and trap and euthanasia (TE) among segmented portions of the public in an urban county where coyotes were established in 2000. PE was the most acceptable management method countywide. NM was acceptable for female respondents, younger respondents, members of animal rights groups, and those who considered coyotes to be native, whereas TE was acceptable for respondents from opposite demographic segments. Countywide and within segments, residents were least conflicted about PE; NM and TE had higher levels of conflict. Seeking public opinion early will likely benefit natural resource managers by increasing public support for decisions, reducing conflict, and facilitating a more proactive approach to coyote management.

摘要

作为郊狼 ( Canis latrans) 将其范围扩大到美国的城市地区，监测人类与土狼的冲突并讨论未来的管理方案，可以避免经常伴随公共冲突的反动决策。我们评估了在 2000 年建立郊狼的城市县中，在部分公众中实施无管理 (NM)、公共教育 (PE) 以及陷阱和安乐死 (TE) 的接受度和潜在冲突。PE 是最多的全县可接受的管理方法。女性受访者、年轻受访者、动物权利团体成员和认为土狼是本地人的人可以接受 NM，而来自相反人口群体的受访者可以接受 TE。在全县范围内，居民对 PE 的冲突最少；NM 和 TE 的冲突程度更高。