Explaining reported puma-related behaviors and behavioral intentions among northern Arizona residents

David J. Mattson; Elizabeth J. Ruther

doi:10.1080/10871209.2012.627581

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Explaining reported puma-related behaviors and behavioral intentions among northern Arizona residents

David J. Mattson·Elizabeth J. Ruther

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Abstract

Management of pumas in the American West is typified by conflict among stakeholders plausibly rooted in life experiences and worldviews. We used a mail questionnaire to assess demographics, nature-views, puma-related life experiences and behaviors, and support for puma-related policies among residents of northern Arizona. Data from the questionnaire (n = 693 respondents) were used to model behaviors and support for policies. Compared to models based on nature-views and life experiences, those based on demographics had virtually no support from the data. The Utilitarian/Dominionistic nature-view had the strongest effect of any variable in six of seven models, and was associated with firearms and opposition to policies that would limit killing pumas. The Humanistic/Moralistic nature-view was positively associated with non-lethal behaviors and policies in five models. Gender had the strongest effect of any demographic variable. Compared to demographics alone, our results suggest that worldviews provide a more meaningful explanation of reported human behaviors and behavioral intentions regarding pumas.

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Human Dimensions of Wildlife: An International Journal Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 31.33° to 37° latitude; -114.82° to -109° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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David J. Mattson, Elizabeth J. Ruther. 2012. Explaining reported puma-related behaviors and behavioral intentions among northern Arizona residents. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2012.627581

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