Otters and Anglers Can Share the Stream! The Role of Social Science in Dissuading Negative Messaging About Reintroduced Predators |
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| Authors: | Thomas L Serfass Jennifer A Bohrman Sadie S Stevens Jeremy T Bruskotter |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Biology and Natural Resources, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, USA;2. Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA;3. School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA |
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| Abstract: | The reintroduction of mammalian predators often has been met with controversy among citizens near reintroduction sites primarily because of concern for predation of livestock, pets, and game species. The river otter (Lontra canadensis) is an example of a predator widely reintroduced in the United States that has in some cases been negatively depicted in the media because of its predatory habits (i.e., fish eating). The reintroduction of river otters in Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois was followed by negative media messages pertaining to otters preying on fish. In contrast, the reintroduction of river otters in Pennsylvania (PA) was accompanied by positive media portrayals and overwhelming public support. This opinion piece reviews factors that likely contributed to public acceptance of river otter reintroduction in PA, emphasizing the importance of applying social science theories and methodologies as a basis for determining and accurately depicting public attitudes toward the reintroduction of mammalian predators. |
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| Keywords: | anglers attitudes North American river otter predator reintroduction |
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