Backcountry llama packing: Visitor perceptions of acceptability and conflict

Abstract

There is little research on visitors’ reactions to encountering nontraditional backcountry recreational activities. This paper concerns potential conflicts between llama packers and traditional backcountry visitors. Both on‐site and mail questionnaires were completed by 337 visitors at trailheads in the Bechler Meadow region of Yellowstone National Park and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness on the Targhee National Forest. Respondents were asked about past encounters with llamas, perceptions of conflicts and problems resulting from llama use, and attitudes toward five dimensions of social acceptability of llamas: social conflict, safety, physical impacts, managerial equity, and philosophical ‘ ‘appropriateness.” About 30% of the respondents at both areas encountered llamas during the trip, and half had encountered llamas during backcountry trips during the past 5 years. Conflicts and problems related to llama use were low in both study areas, though horseback riders were more likely to have concerns than hikers. Llama management should focus on informational and educational approaches rather than simple reliance on designating areas specifically for horse or llama use. Acceptability judgments about nontraditional activities must include estimates of safety and philosophical appropriateness as well as social, environmental, and managerial conditions.

Keywords:

• recreation conflict
• asymmetrical conflict
• social acceptability
• llama packing
• nontraditional activities
• wilderness recreation