Understanding the acceptability of lethal management toward canids on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

The overall purpose of this wildlife management study is to understand the acceptability of lethal management toward coyotes and wolves (canids) on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. Data were collected from residents in communities in close spatial proximity to Gros Morne National Park and Terra Nova National Park. Self-administered questionnaires were collected (n=342) using a drop off and pick up method. Overall, respondents held very negative cognitions toward coyotes and wolves. This contributed to high level of agreement and acceptance toward lethal management. Attitudes were the best predictor of lethal management within this study. This research study provides salient information for wildlife managers to consider when gauging public acceptance of lethal management and provides a reference to aid managers to mitigate and avoid human-canid conflict such as targeting a shift in attitudes from negative to positive.