Factors Contributing Toward Acceptance of Lethal Control of Black Bears in Central Georgia, USA

Abstract

We surveyed homeowners in four counties of central Georgia to determine acceptance of management practices for black bears (Ursus americanus), including lethal control and trapping and relocating bears in urban settings. Most homeowners did not view bears as a perceived threat and valued their existence. Logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of age, gender, hunting participation, existence value orientation, and perceived threat from bears on lethal control and trapping/relocating management actions. Perceived threat and gender were significant in determining acceptance of lethal control of bears captured in urban areas and for bears that caused repeat problems; gender was negatively associated with acceptance of lethal control. Hunting participation had a negative contribution; hunters were less likely to perceive lethal control as acceptable. This study illustrates the complexity understanding public support for managing black bears.