Modeling Perceived Risk from Coyotes Among Chicago Residents |
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| Authors: | Carly C. Sponarski Craig A. Miller Jerry J. Vaske Molly R. Spacapan |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA;2. Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, USA;3. Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA |
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| Abstract: | This article examined the influence of urban homeowners’ general wildlife value orientations (i.e., mutualism, domination) and their specific positive beliefs about coyotes on perceived risk from coyotes. Data were obtained from a mail survey of residents in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Region during 2012 (n = 1,624, response rate = 34%). As predicted, general wildlife value orientations were related to specific positive beliefs about coyotes. Mutualism had a positive relationship with these beliefs, and domination had a negative relationship. As specific beliefs became more positive, perceived risk decreased. Although mutualism was not related to perceived risk, a significant and positive relationship was observed between domination and perceived risk. Residents with a domination orientation were more fearful of coyotes. The two value orientations explained 64% of the variance in specific positive beliefs, and both domination and these beliefs accounted for 20% of the variance in perceived risk. Implications for managing coyotes in an urban setting are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Beliefs coyotes perceived risk urban-wildlife wildlife value orientations |
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