Urban and rural acceptance of management of a newly established wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) population in Alaska, USA

Doney, Ethan Douglas (2017) Urban and rural acceptance of management of a newly established wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) population in Alaska, USA. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This human dimensions study on wood bison restoration in Alaska aims to understand and analyze public values, attitudes, fear, and support for management in the state. Self-administered questionnaires (n=515) were distributed in urban centers. Interviewer-administered questionnaires (n=31) were applied in rural villages. Findings showed that overall tolerance of wood bison is very high among Alaskans, but that urban and rural residents differ greatly on their preferred management of the animals. Results indicated that stable attitudes have not yet been formed by the urban public, although support for lethal management is very low indicating more positive attitudes toward the species or at least their conservation. Wildlife managers will need to use this information in order to inform future management strategies to minimize any potential social conflicts surrounding the resource.

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