Exploring the Influence of Emotion on Human Decision Making in Human–Wildlife Conflict

Abstract

Human decisions and behaviors influence whether human–wildlife encounters result in negative outcomes for people and wildlife. For instance, the decision to feed or to approach a bear for a photograph may foster food conditioning or habituation, processes that often lead to conflict. In this article I apply theories and frameworks from the risk and decision making literature to understand human decisions related to human–wildlife conflicts. Through a review of cognitive and affective theories of decision making, I explore ways in which emotions and cognitions influence decision making related to negative human–wildlife interactions. I argue that models that integrate emotion are most relevant for understanding decision making in human–wildlife conflict. The ability of managers to predict human behavior in these contexts may be improved through the application of integrated models of decision making. This knowledge could help us to evaluate wildlife management regulations and inform communication efforts.

Keywords:

• emotion
• human–wildlife conflict
• decision making
• risk