Theses and Dissertations Collection

Coexistence is a consistent management concern in the American West, as human-wildlife interactions become more common and the extent of shared landscapes between humans and wildlife increase. In this context, it is crucial that terrestrial carnivore management and conservation is not only informed by ecology but also by what is socially feasible. To address social feasibility of carnivore management, this study surveyed a random sample of Idaho residents to identify thresholds of tolerance for wildlife behaviors and acceptability of subsequent management actions for black bears (Ursus americanus), mountain lions (Puma concolor), and grey wolves (Canis lupus) via linear regression models, as well as the Return Potential Model (RPM) and a Potential for Conflict Index (PCI) analysis. Segmentation variables of rural/urban identity and emotions, values, personality traits, previous experiences, and perception of risk for each species were measured to analyze patterns associated with tolerance and acceptability levels. Findings suggest resident’s tolerance levels are driven overall by their previous experiences with carnivores, their perceptions of risk posed by the species, and the emotions they have when thinking about carnivores. These drivers varied, however, when the sample of Idahoans was segmented by objective and subjective identification as a rural or urban resident. Additionally, acceptance for lethal versus nonlethal management actions in response to nuisance behaviors varied depending on the species being considered, the valence of emotions residents felt when thinking about carnivores, and the amount of risk perceived as being posed by black bears, mountain lions, and grey wolves. Such results are important to inform wildlife management and conservation in Idaho, particularly as a western state with a high rate of human population growth and healthy populations of these adaptable carnivore species. With these data, wildlife management agencies have additional knowledge of the social acceptability of wildlife behaviors and which behaviors residents believe warrant specific management actions.