Stakeholders' Attitudes Toward Black Bear in East Texas

Abstract

This study advances black bear management in East Texas by understanding residents' attitudes toward the return of black bear to the region and potential reintroduction efforts. Six counties in the study have the potential to be impacted by a returning population. The objective was to assess public knowledge, opinions, and attitudes of stakeholders related to black bears, management of particular species, and their habitats. Surveys were mailed to 2,000 households in the six counties. More than half of the respondents indicated they favored bears dispersing on their own but did not support agency intervention to reintroduce them. Respondents worried about problems that may arise from dispersal. Managers may use the results to identify areas of potential conflict and employ public information and education campaigns to encourage a public more receptive of black bears and management efforts.

Keywords:

• black bear
• attitudes
• reintroduction
• wildlife management
• Ursus americanus luteolus