Attitudes toward a proposed reintroduction of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona
- 1 September 1997
- journal article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Human Dimensions of Wildlife
- Vol. 2 (3) , 42-55
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209709359101
Abstract
A survey of telephone‐households was conducted in Greenlee County, Arizona, within and surrounding the potential reintroduction site for Mexican gray wolves. Interviews of 130 residents showed that 22% supported wolf reintroduction, 58% opposed reintroduction, and 20% of respondents were undecided. Concerns about livestock and hardships for ranchers were cited most often as reasons for opposing wolf reintroduction, with human safety concerns second. Over 50% of reintroduction supporters believe that Mexican wolves are integral to the ecosystem and belong in the wild, and more than 30% said wolves are native to the area and should be returned to Arizona. Of those who opposed wolf reintroduction, 48% said that wolf reintroduction would have no impact on their lifestyle or business, and 64% were not aware that wolves would be considered experimental‐nonessential, and would be removed or destroyed if they caused injury to humans or livestock.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- A conceptual model of attitudes towardnaturalresource issues: A casestudyof wolf reintroductionHuman Dimensions of Wildlife, 1996
- The Public and the Timber Wolf in MinnesotaAnthrozoös, 1987
- Public perceptions of predators, particularly the wolf and coyoteBiological Conservation, 1985