Predicting support for recolonization of mountain lions (Puma concolor) in the Adirondack park

Carnivorerange expansion creates opportunities for human–wildlife conflicts. Wildlifeattitudes and values, factual knowledge, and risk perceptionhave all been proposed as variables to measure or predict social acceptability of wildlife management. We examined the social acceptability of natural recolonization of mountainlions ( Pumaconcolor; an extirpated carnivore) in the Adirondack Park, New York, USA. We administered questionnaires in person to 315 Adirondack residents and visitors during summer 2013. We also posed questions to 800 New York State residents in a telephone survey during winter 2014. We tested five hypotheses: 1) wildlifeattitude and values scalescores predict stated support for restoration of mountainlions in the Adirondack Park; 2) people more knowledgeable about mountainlions perceive less risk and indicate greater support for mountainlion restoration; 3) women report greater perceived risk than do men from mountainlions; 4) residents will report greater perceived risk than nonresidents; and 5) respondents who participate in activities such as hiking and hunting in the Park will perceive less risk than those who do not. A majority of respondents supported natural recolonization of mountainlions to the Adirondack Park. Results of our regression model indicated that perceived risk and factual knowledge influence support for mountainlion restoration, with more knowledgeable respondents perceiving lower risk and reporting greater support. To reduce the potential for human–wildlife conflictand moderate risk perceptions, we recommend wildlifeagencies and others consider conveying educational messages about how stakeholders can coexist with large predators in areas in which they are recolonizing. © 2015 The WildlifeSociety.